As essential players in safeguarding public health and advancing sustainable infrastructure, plumbing contractors are stepping out of the field, meeting directly with legislators to advocate for policies that support clean water access, workforce development and investment in resilient plumbing systems. More than 100 PHCC members, chapter leaders, and industry stakeholders gathered in the nation’s capital from May 20–21 to champion key issues affecting the plumbing, heating and cooling industry. Attendees met with lawmakers to support federal workforce development programs, defend natural gas as a vital part of the U.S. energy mix, promote consumer choice, and advocate for pro-growth tax policies.

The morning after the conference wrapped, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R.1 — the “Big Beautiful Bill.” The legislation includes several PHCC-supported tax measures, including:

• A permanent extension of the Section 199A pass-through income deduction;
• Maintenance of higher estate tax exemption thresholds; and
• An extension of bonus depreciation with full expensing beyond 2026

“These legislative wins are a reminder of the power of grassroots advocacy and the strong presence PHCC can bring to Capitol Hill,” said Mark Valentini, PHCC vice president of Legislative Affairs. “Our unified voice is helping to shape policies that will reduce contractors' tax burdens and empower them to reinvest in their businesses and workforce.”

The bill now heads to the Senate, where PHCC will continue to push for final passage of these vital tax provisions.

A focus on energy policy

According to Dan Callies, president, PHCC—National Association, the top three topics discussed during the meetings with legislators were workforce development, energy policy (especially natural gas use and the Energy Choice Act), and tax reform, and the PHCC members in attendance had a strong, unified message around maintaining Section 199A and bonus depreciation, while also pushing for expanded CTE and apprenticeship funding through Perkins and WIOA.

“Each group had 15-minute meetings on the Hill — but we made them count. Contractors came prepared with real-world stories, and we could see the light bulbs go off as we explained how tax certainty and workforce investment directly affect small business success in the trades,” Callies said. “Many of us walked away feeling that our voices were truly heard.”

Amy Hart, general manager of Continental Plumbing Services, agrees, adding that she was sure to share her concerns with the impact of expiring provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which is critical for small, family-owned PHCC businesses like hers.

Natural gas bans were a top concern addressed by PHCC members during the conference. Members emphasized to legislators how restricting natural gas limits consumer choice, increases costs, and puts strain on our already fragile electrical grid.

Hart says sharing real-life examples and personal stories about these impacts made a difference. “We emphasized that customers should be able to choose the energy source and equipment that best fits their home, climate and budget,” she says. “I didn’t want to only focus on presenting data—I wanted to show them how policies affect our businesses and communities. The tone of our meetings was respectful, engaging, and productive. I do believe we made leeway, especially in helping lawmakers better understand how the decisions they make in D.C. directly impact contractors back home.”

Past PHCC National Association President Joe Cornetta says representing New York, his focus was on energy. Congressman Nick Langworthy (Buffalo) will be looking for co-sponsors on his fuel choice bill, which would end all states from limiting a homeowners choice of fuel to heat, cook and heat water for their home.

“The discussions we had with Republican offices were supportive and with Democrat offices, a mutual respect for the topic. This was the 1st year in several where we sensed a softening,” he says. “In Democratic offices on this topic. PHCC is a plaintiff in fighting the gas bans in New York State and New York City.”

A unified priority to build the workforce

Although the 2025 meetings focused heavily on energy policy, PHCC members agree that workforce development is the number one priority moving forward. According to an analysis sponsored by bathroom-fittings maker LIXIL, the US will be short 550,000 plumbers by 2027.

Callies explains that the industry needs strong funding for apprenticeships, short-term Pell grants, and cultural investment in skilled trades education in order to reinvigorate the skilled trades workforce. “Everything else — growth, innovation, customer service — depends on having the right people in the field,” he adds.

Hart, too, says the main way to go about building a strong workforce is to fund and expand apprenticeship programs. “As a former educator, I have a deep passion for helping young people find meaningful career paths, and I've seen firsthand how the trades can offer a debt-free, high-opportunity future for those who may not choose the traditional college route, she says. “Apprenticeship provides a structured, hands-on way to learn and earn at the same time, which is exactly what our industry needs right now.”

Investing in apprenticeship isn’t just about filling jobs — it’s about building careers, strengthening businesses, and securing the future of the plumbing trade.

Cornetta says the topic of building the workforce, both in the skilled trades and in manufacturing facilities, was well-received in every Congress office he visited. “Lori Chavez-DeRamer mentioned in an interview that it is time to seriously consider funding for the trades. The need for manufacturing as well as trades has been outgrowing the applicants for decades,” he shares. “Her remarks sent shivers down the spines of not only trades, but major manufacturing companies.”

From frustrated to future shaping

PHCC members who visited Capitol Hill encourage all members to take ownership of the trades by investing time in advocacy participation.

Callies says when you choose to participate, you go from being frustrated with the system to actively shaping it. “When a contractor from, say, Wisconsin or Texas sits across from their representative and talks about why natural gas matters to their customers or why it’s so hard to hire right now — it’s powerful. The event is also structured to support first-timers with briefings, talking points, and a lot of camaraderie,” he explains.

According to Hart, the PHCC Legislative Conference gives members a voice and the tools to shape the future of the plumbing and heating industries. “If we don’t tell our story, someone else will—and they may not get it right,” she says. “The relationships you build—with lawmakers, fellow members, and industry leaders—are invaluable. You don’t have to be a political expert to make an impact. You just have to show up, share your experience, and care about where our industry is headed.”