H.R. 985Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education, and Promotion Act of 2015

1 recorded action126 of these members are on the 2026 ballotWhat the measure does Read on Congress.gov

Sponsor: Brett Guthrie [R-KY-02]
Cosponsors: 247 · 134 Republicans · 113 Democrats
Policy area: Commerce
Committee: Energy and Commerce Committee
Latest action: Nov 15, 2016 · Received in the Senate.

IntroducedFeb 13, 2015
Passed the HouseNov 14, 2016
Passed the SenateNot yet reached
Sent to the PresidentNot yet reached
Became lawNot yet reached

What the measure doesCRS summary

Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education, and Promotion Act of 2015

(Sec. 4) This bill directs the Department of Commerce to issue orders applicable to manufacturers of concrete masonry products.

An order regarding the generic research, education, and promotion of concrete masonry products may be: proposed by Commerce at any time, or

requested (and submitted to Commerce) by an existing national organization of concrete masonry product manufacturers or any person that may be affected by the issuance of such an order.

(Sec. 5) Any order issued under this bill shall provide for establishment of a Concrete Masonry Products Board to carry out a program of generic promotion, research, and education regarding concrete masonry products. The order shall specify the powers and duties of the board.

The board may not engage in any action, nor use any funds received under this bill, to:

influence legislation, elections, or governmental action;

engage in any conflict of interest;
engage in advertising that is false or misleading; or
engage in any promotion, research, or education that would be disparaging to other construction materials, or any promotion or project that would benefit any individual manufacturer.

Manufacturers and importers shall maintain, and make available for inspection, specified records.

(Sec. 6) Any order must also require that quarterly assessments be paid by manufacturers for any concrete masonry products manufactured at least 180 days before remittance of the assessment to the board.

The bill establishes an initial assessment rate of $0.01 per concrete masonry unit sold. The board may increase or decrease such rate but any change may not exceed $0.01 per unit, and be made no more than once per year. The maximum rate shall be $0.05 per unit.

At least 50% of the assessments (less administrative expenses) paid by a manufacturer shall be used to support research, education, and promotion programs and projects in support of the manufacturer's geographic region. The bill divides the states into five specified regions, whose composition Commerce may adjust on the board's recommendation.

(Sec. 7) During the 60-day period preceding the proposed effective date of an order, Commerce shall conduct a referendum for order approval, according to specified procedures, among the manufacturers required to pay assessments under it.

(Sec. 8) The bill prescribes requirements for petition and review of an order, including order enforcement through U.S. district courts. Commerce may assess a civil penalty on any person willfully violating such an order or regulation.

How every member votedHouse roll call 575

House Nov 14, 2016

On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended

Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education, and Promotion Act of 2015

Passed · Two-thirds required

355 Yea 38 Nay 38 not voting

Crossed both parties 38 of 393 voting members broke with their own party: 1 Democrat, 37 Republicans.

Open the official roll call

How the chamber split

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DemocratsRepublicansFilled: YeaRing: NayGrey: not voting or present

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All members431 members

Democratic186 members

Republican245 members

marks half of the votes cast. A party’s majority is the side most of its voting members took.

Cosponsors247 · 134 Republicans · 113 Democrats

Signing on is not a vote: a member can cosponsor H.R. 985 and vote against it. 1 signed when it was filed.

Loading the public record

H.R. 985Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education, and Promotion Act of 2015

What the measure doesCRS summary

How every member votedHouse roll call 575

On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended

How the chamber split

Cosponsors247 · 134 Republicans · 113 Democrats

H.R. 985Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education, and Promotion Act of 2015

What the measure doesCRS summary

How every member votedHouse roll call 575

On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended

How the chamber split

Cosponsors247 · 134 Republicans · 113 Democrats

Who lobbied on H.R. 9857 organizations

Who lobbied on H.R. 9857 organizations