ASA Supports Bipartisan Permitting Reform to Strengthen U.S. Manufacturing

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Association joins national manufacturing coalition urging swift congressional action to reduce permitting delays, accelerate investment and strengthen the U.S. manufacturing and distribution supply chain.

ITASCA, IL – October 14, 2026 – The American Supply Association (ASA) is lending its strong support in a letter sent to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026, a significant step toward modernizing the nation’s permitting process and unlocking new manufacturing investment. ASA has joined coalition partners, along with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), urging Senate leaders to bring the measure to the floor without delay and applauds the bipartisan negotiators who developed practical solutions to permit challenges that have slowed manufacturing growth and expansion.

For ASA members and the broader manufacturing and distribution communities, predictable and efficient permitting is essential to moving job creating projects forward on time and at a competitive cost. Final passage would mark a historic opportunity to enact long-overdue reforms while maintaining America’s commitment to responsible environmental stewardship.

“Project delays ripple across the supply chain,” said ASA VP of Advocacy Steve Rossi. “Our members need reliable energy and water infrastructure, along with policies that spur investment. This bipartisan legislation would help reduce energy costs for consumers and provide businesses with certainty as critical projects move forward. We commend the Senate sponsors of the bill and urge Congress to enact meaningful permitting reform.”

The case for action is compelling. Permitting delays affect projects across industries and energy sources, contributing to higher electricity costs for households and businesses. In the United States, securing authorization for a manufacturing facility takes 80% longer than in any other free-market economy.

Those delays cost manufacturers at least $8 billion annually, representing capital that could otherwise support hiring, facility expansion, equipment purchases, and economic growth in communities nationwide. ASA members are ready to invest and build in America, but they need greater certainty and a permitting system that keeps projects moving.

ASA is calling on the Senate to approve this critical legislation, introduced by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Mike Lee (R-UT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM).  In addition, ASA urges the House to act swiftly once the measure advances. Enacting the bipartisan agreement would deliver an important win for businesses and communities across the country.

ASA will continue advocating for permitting reforms that help American companies compete, invest, and create jobs. A modern, predictable process will strengthen domestic manufacturing and help build a more affordable and resilient future.

About the American Supply Association

Officially incorporated in 1969, the American Supply Association (ASA) is the sole national trade association serving distributors, manufacturers and manufacturers’ representatives across the plumbing, heating, cooling, piping and industrial/mechanical pipe, valve and fitting (PHCP-PVF) supply chain. ASA represents more than 650 companies, including 300 wholesale distributors that operate more than 6,700 brick-and-mortar locations across North America and collectively generate $80 billion in annual sales. Through advocacy, economic intelligence, workforce development, operational resources, innovation insights and peer-to-peer networking, ASA supports the shared priorities of the entire PHCP-PVF industry.