Glenn Thompson (R-PA)
Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act of 2026
A Republican bill with 4 Democratic cosponsors · See all 5 cosponsors
Last activity — Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H4088)
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act of 2026. It sets up a contracting preference for public buildings and military installations that use innovative wood products. These wood products must be harvested and processed within the United States from responsible sources. The legislation also directs officials to give priority to wood sourced from forest restoration practices, wildfire protection actions, and underserved forest owners. Additionally, the Administrator of General Services must conduct a lifecycle assessment on new public buildings using these wood products and submit a report to Congress.
Yes· 3 of 13
- Scored +6
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
Rural and forested communities benefit from increased economic activity and wildfire protection measures prioritized in the bill.
- Scored +6
Does this invest in rural communities?
By prioritizing wood products sourced from forest management, restoration, and small family forests, the bill directly benefits rural and forested communities.
- Scored +5
Would Native Americans be better off under this?
The bill explicitly includes Tribally owned forests among the underserved forest owners prioritized for wood procurement.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2(b)(1)(A): This section gives priority to public buildings that use innovative wood products procured from facilities and forestlands located within the United States. This could benefit domestic wood product facilities and American workers by encouraging the use of Made in America materials.
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Section 2(b)(2)(A)(ii)(III): This provision gives preference to innovative wood products sourced from underserved forest owners, which includes Tribally owned forests and small family forests. This may provide helpful economic support to small-scale and tribal forest owners in the United States.
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Section 2(b)(3)(B): The Administrator, working with the Secretary of Agriculture, must submit a report to Congress and make it publicly available regarding the global warming potential of new public buildings using innovative wood products. This brings transparency and accountability to the government's building practices for the public.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Based on the provided text, there are no explicit negative consequences, burdens, or negative impacts identified for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Rural and forested communities benefit from increased economic activity and wildfire protection measures prioritized in the bill. Would farmers be better off under this? — Small family forest owners and agricultural landowners engaged in forestry are directly supported through procurement preferences. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill explicitly includes Tribally owned forests among the underserved forest owners prioritized for wood procurement. Would business owners be better off under this? — Domestic wood product facility owners and related contractors benefit from preferential federal procurement policies.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — By prioritizing wood products sourced from forest management, restoration, and small family forests, the bill directly benefits rural and forested communities. Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests? — The bill explicitly encourages sourcing from forest management actions designed to protect communities and infrastructure against catastrophic wildfire. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — Promoting mass timber in construction and utilizing wood from forest restoration and wildfire protection practices helps lower overall building lifecycle carbon footprints. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill incentivizes responsible sourcing and forest restoration practices to enhance ecosystem functions and resilience.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The legislation provides explicit preference to small family forests and underserved forest owners, aiding small-scale operators in the wood supply chain. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill creates a contracting preference for domestic innovative wood products, which supports domestic manufacturing jobs and American workers. Is this likely to grow the economy? — Encouraging the use of domestically produced innovative wood products stimulates economic activity in the forestry and building sectors.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Mandating lifecycle assessments and public reports to Congress increases transparency regarding the environmental impact of federal construction. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill directs federal agencies such as the General Services Administration and the Department of Defense to adopt specific building preferences.
- 7/2/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/30/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 6/18/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/11/2026
- Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H4088)
- 5/29/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
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