Death Tax Repeal Act

Family businesses often hold millions in inventory to meet customer needs, making this stock a significant portion of their business. Upon the owner’s death, estate taxes may force heirs to sell equipment or liquidate the business. These forced sales often lead to steep discounts, as the urgency lowers the number of potential buyers. This is why ASA strongly supports the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2025 (H.R.1301/S.587), introduced by Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Representative Randy Feenstra, a bill that will permanently repeal the federal estate tax and generation-skipping tax.

ASA is grateful for the estate tax provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which permanently raises the federal estate and gift tax exemption. By cementing this higher threshold, the act gives families and business owners the certainty to transfer more of their assets to future generations without penalty and avoid unexpected liabilities or the pressure to liquidate assets at fire-sale prices. In doing so, it not only safeguards generational wealth but also protects the livelihoods of employees and reinforces stability in our communities.

Support for the Energy Choice Act

ASA supports the Energy Choice Act (H.R. 3699), recently introduced by Congressman Nick Langworthy, for guaranteeing that consumers can choose their preferred energy source without facing local bans or restrictive regulations. By preempting state and local limits on connecting, installing, modifying, or expanding energy services, the Act protects consumer freedom, fosters competition, and drives innovation.

Infrastructure

When most people think of infrastructure, they picture roads, bridges, and transit systems. However, buildings—and the essential systems that power them, like plumbing and HVAC—are just as critical to our nation's resilience and economic vitality. Overlooking them means missing a major opportunity to strengthen communities and protect long-term investments. That is why ASA has taken a leadership role, both independently and through strategic coalitions, to champion smarter codes and standards at both the federal and state levels. These efforts ensure that every infrastructure dollar delivers maximum value, safety, and resiliency for generations to come.

Healthy H2O Act

ASA proudly supports the Healthy H2O Act (H.R. 4721), introduced by Representatives David Rouzer and Chellie Pingree, which is transformative legislation that delivers direct, meaningful support to rural communities by allowing them to test and treat their drinking water. For too long, rural areas, especially those relying on private wells, have been left behind in federal efforts to address water safety. This bill fills a critical gap by offering voluntary, community-driven solutions that protect public health and promote long-term resilience. By equipping individuals with the tools to test their water, understand the risks posed by harmful contaminants (including PFAS/PFOS), and implement filtration technologies tailored to their needs, the Healthy H2O Act ensures safer water and stronger communities.

Workforce Development

ASA strongly encourages increased investment in applied technology training, the restoration of craft education in our schools, and the encouragement of the next generation to join our workforce. In the 118th Congress, ASA enthusiastically backed the reauthorization of the Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (WIOA), H.R. 10425, the A Stronger Workforce for America Act, and will continue to press for its passage in the current session.

Last In, First Out (LIFO) Accounting

ASA strongly opposes any effort to repeal the Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) inventory valuation method, which is used by roughly half of the companies in the PHCP/PVF distribution chain. Eliminating LIFO would force distributors to recognize and pay taxes on unrecognized “phantom profits” created by commodity-price swings, driving up their marginal tax liabilities and severely undermining their growth prospects. Since businesses have depended on LIFO for decades, and because its repeal would generate little additional federal revenue, abolishing the method would pose an unnecessary threat to the stability and competitiveness of the industry.

Energy Modernization and Emission Reduction

We support energy efficiency and market-based solutions, rather than a one-size-fits-all electric-only mandate that ignores regional reliability, consumer choice, and cost-effectiveness. To articulate our balanced approach, ASA has published a detailed Position Statement on this issue, along with a concise, one-page fact sheet summarizing our core principles, recommended policy safeguards, and technology-neutral pathways for achieving meaningful emission reductions without jeopardizing energy security.

TCJA Permanence

ASA applauds the recent budget reconciliation package for making nearly all of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act’s (TCJA) individual and small-business provisions permanent. The legislation extends the TCJA’s lower individual income-tax rates beyond their 2025 sunset, increases the qualified business income deduction (Section 199A), and locks in a $15 million-per-person estate and gift-tax exemption. By codifying these measures, the bill will spur investment, bolster American competitiveness, and provide middle-income households and job creators with stable, predictable tax planning.