Bill Aims to Prioritize Domestic Timber in Federal Construction
A bipartisan group of US lawmakers introduced the Strong American Wood Act (H.R. 10906) in October, legislation that would require federal buildings to use domestically sourced timber when available, Global Wood Trade Network reported (10-27-26).
The bipartisan bill is sponsored by Rep. Bruce Westerman, chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee and a forester by trade, alongside Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez.
The legislation comes amid continued challenges for the US wood products industry. According to Westerman’s office, 277 sawmills and other wood businesses have closed since 2021, with more than 50 mills closing or curtailing operations over the past 15 months.
Commenting on the legislation, Westerman said, “We want to have strong markets, so that we can have strong infrastructure.”
The bill has been referred to nine House committees for review.
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