An Update from NFFS Government Affairs Committee
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The NFFS Government Affairs Committee (GAC) met on April 30th. Led by Chairman Chris Greenfield from Federal Metal in Cleveland, Ohio, the GAC explored a packed agenda of current issues facing the North American metalcasting industry. The GAC Committee discussed the following items during the meeting:
Executive Order 14265
On April 21, 2025, the White House announced the issuance of Executive Order 14265, a sweeping directive aimed at modernizing the US defense acquisition system and revitalizing innovation within the Defense Industrial Base. The order sets the stage for a bold transformation of how America equips its military to maintain technological superiority in an increasingly complex global security environment. On April 21, 2025, the White House announced the issuance of Executive Order 14265, a sweeping directive aimed at modernizing the U.S. defense acquisition system and revitalizing innovation within the Defense Industrial Base. The order sets the stage for a bold transformation of how America equips its military to maintain technological superiority in an increasingly complex global security environment.
The Secretary of Defense is directed to lead a thorough review of all internal Department of Defense regulations and guidance related to acquisition. The goal is to eliminate or revise unnecessary and burdensome policies that slow innovation and delay delivery of critical capabilities.
By streamlining acquisition procedures and reducing red tape, Executive Order 14265 seeks to empower the Defense Department to partner more effectively with industry, accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies, and ensure warfighters have the tools they need—when they need them.
Implementation of the order begins immediately, with initial regulatory proposals expected from the Department of Defense within 90 days.
Tracking Tariffs
The GAC committee continues to closely track the latest updates on tariffs levied by the Trump administration. Since the GAC’s March meeting, the administration’s much anticipated “Liberation Day” had occurred, instituting a wide range of tariffs at varying rates against most of the countries in the world. Subsequently, most of those tariffs have been adjusted to a flat 10% for all imports into the United States with additional tariffs levied on China at 145%. The 25% tariff, instituted in March, remains on aluminum and steel imports. The GAC will continue to monitor and discuss in detail tariff policy in the coming months.
American Investment in Manufacturing and Small Business Growth Act
The NFFS Government Affairs Committee was pleased to announce its support for the American Investment in Manufacturing and Small Business Growth Act, recognizing its vital importance to capital-intensive industries such as non-ferrous foundries. This legislation would restore a key tax provision—allowing businesses to deduct interest expenses based on 30% of EBITDA rather than EBIT—directly benefiting foundries that invest heavily in equipment, tooling, and facility improvements. Additionally, the bill expands Section 179 expensing limits, enabling small and mid-sized foundries to immediately deduct more of their investments in machinery and equipment. NFFS’s support for this legislation underscores our commitment to reducing tax burdens on our members and industry while ensuring they have the financial flexibility needed to invest in their workforce, modernize operations, and strengthen their global competitiveness.
Letters to Federal Agencies Regarding Regulations
The GAC Committee also supported NFFS writing a letter to the Department of Labor and OHSA proposing the elimination of two Biden-era regulations – Heat Injury and Illness Prevention (RIN 1218-AD39) and Worker Walkaround Representation Designation Process (RIN 1218-AD45). In late 2024,the GAC completed significant work crafting comments from the metalcasting industry opposing these regulations, especially the Heat Injury and Illness regulations, citing that they were burdensome and not appropriate for the industry.
NFFS will craft and submit a letter to the Department of Labor and OHSA and also develop a template letter to share with members so that they can individually submit similar comments from their individual organizations.
Aluminum Survey
The GAC also provided input and fine-tuned a survey to the NFFS membership focusing on the state of the aluminum metalcasting industry.
Please provide your organization's input to the survey- https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NYQKKFQ. All NFFS member input is very much appreciated.
The next NFFS Government Affairs Committee meeting will be held on May 28, 2025 at 3pm EST.