WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Glenn Thompson (R-PA) and Andrea Salinas (D-OR) introduced the Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act. This marks the third consecutive year that legislation promoting mass timber for federal contracts has been introduced.

This bipartisan legislation provides incentives for the use of mass timber building materials in federal contracting, giving timber and other forest products companies the ability to compete for construction, renovation, or acquisition of public buildings, and for military construction. 

The bill creates a two-tier contracting preference for mass timber and other innovative wood projects. The first-tier preference applies to mass timber that is made within the U.S. and responsibly sourced from state, federal, private, and Tribal forestlands. The optional second tier applies to mass timber products that are sourced from restoration practices, fire mitigation projects, and forest owners. Additionally, this bill contains a reporting requirement for a whole building lifecycle assessment. The results of this assessment will help provide additional evidence of the environmental benefits of the use of timber and forest products in buildings.

This isn't the first time legislation has been introduced to provide incentives and encourage the use of mass timber. In 2024, U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and James Risch (R-ID) introduced the Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act, and the bill was reintroduced in 2025, but the bill was not voted on by either Congressional body. Last year's attempt was referred to the Senate's Committee on Environment and Public Works. 

Mass timber already gets early consideration for some military projects. In 2023, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers mandated that a mass timber structural option be considered at the design stage of all of its vertical construction projects going forward. 

Previous legislation promoting mass timber has faced opposition primarily from the U.S. steel industry, including the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA). The groups argue the bill’s contracting preferences disrupt competitive bidding, create unfair advantages, and risk supply chain strains or increased material costs.

Industry support

"The Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group (AHUG) applauds Congressman Thompson for introducing the Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act of 2026. Federal leadership in mass timber construction sends exactly the right signal to spur the research, innovation, and private‑sector investment needed to grow this market,” said Amy Shields, executive director of AHUG. "The legislation strengthens forest health, expands opportunities for Pennsylvania’s emerging hardwood CLT and mass timber sector, and delivers meaningful economic and workforce benefits for the forest‑reliant communities of the Allegheny region and across the Commonwealth. We’re grateful for Congressman Thompson’s steadfast support of America’s forest products industry—both softwood and hardwood—as we work together to build a stronger, more sustainable future."

"The Pennsylvania Forest Products Association proudly supports Congressman Thompson's efforts to advance mass timber, creating healthier federal buildings while strengthening domestic forestry and wood products," said Fred Strathmeyer Jr., executive director of the Pennsylvania Forest Products Association.