GT Thompson and Andrea Salinas Unveil Bill Promoting Mass Timber in Federal Construction

Congress Introduces Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act to Expand U.S. Timber Use in Public Construction

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Bipartisan legislation introduced in Congress aims to increase the use of mass timber and other innovative wood products in federal construction projects, creating new opportunities for domestic timber producers while supporting sustainable building practices.

U.S. Reps. Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pa., and Andrea Salinas, D-Ore., recently introduced the Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act. The legislation would establish incentives for federal agencies to use mass timber materials in the construction, renovation and acquisition of public buildings, including military facilities.

Supporters say the measure would help expand markets for American-made timber products, strengthen rural economies and promote responsible forest management.

The bill creates a two-tier contracting preference for mass timber and other innovative wood construction projects. The first tier would apply to mass timber products manufactured in the United States and sourced responsibly from state, federal, private and Tribal forestlands. An optional second tier would favor products derived from forest restoration efforts, wildfire mitigation projects and participating forest owners.

Additionally, the legislation requires whole-building lifecycle assessments to evaluate environmental impacts and provide further data on the sustainability benefits of timber construction.

Lawmakers Highlight Economic and Environmental Benefits

Pennsylvania and Oregon, both major timber-producing states, stand to benefit from expanded federal demand for mass timber products.

“Timber and forest products have long been an important economic engine for the hardworking families and rural communities of Pennsylvania,” Rep. Thompson said. "American forests, such as the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania, are tremendous natural resources, and when managed responsibly, they serve as a long-term source of high-quality timber. We aim to expand markets for timber and innovative wood products that Pennsylvania’s foresters and mills are ready to support.”

Salinas emphasized the role of mass timber in both economic development and environmental stewardship.

“Oregon has always been a leader in the U.S. mass timber industry, which has supported economic growth across the Pacific Northwest. Our wood products are sustainable and cost-effective building materials,” Rep. Salinas said. “Incentivizing the use of mass timber in federal buildings will expand our state's industry, support good jobs, and drive down the cost of construction, which will help address the housing crisis. By supporting Oregon timber, we reduce wildfire risk, increase forest resiliency, and shrink the carbon footprint of federal buildings.”

Mass timber is an engineered wood product created by compressing and bonding wood panels, beams and columns into large structural components capable of supporting mid-rise and high-rise buildings.

Industry Organizations Back Proposal

The proposal has received support from forestry, manufacturing and landowner organizations that view expanded federal use of mass timber as an opportunity to strengthen domestic markets.

"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 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.

Additional endorsements came from the National Alliance of Forest Owners, Forest Landowners Association and American Forest Resource Council, whose leaders said the legislation would help create stable markets for timber products while supporting forest health, rural employment and sustainable land management.

Companion legislation has also been introduced in the Senate by Sens. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and James Risch, R-Idaho, signaling bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress.

If enacted, the legislation could increase the role of mass timber in federal construction while providing new market opportunities for forestry businesses across the United States.

Originally reported by U.S. Congressman Glenn "GT" Thompson.