Randy Noel, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a custom home builder from LaPlace, La., today issued the following statement on a congressional letter signed by 171 members of Congress urging the Trump administration to restart lumber trade talks with Canada:

"More than 170 lawmakers sent a letter on Tuesday to the Trump administration that calls on the U.S. to resume talks with Canada to negotiate a new softwood lumber trade agreement. NAHB applauds these members of Congress from both sides of the political aisle for taking a stand for homeownership. The current situation is clearly unacceptable. Tariffs averaging more than 20 percent on Canadian softwood lumber shipments into the U.S. are contributing to rising market volatility and record-high lumber prices that are making it harder for millions of Americans to afford a home.

"It’s important to note that the congressional letter does not take sides in this trade dispute. It simply highlights the urgent need for the U.S. and Canada to renew negotiations in an effort to come to an equitable solution that will satisfy all sides -- including domestic industries and consumers -- that rely on softwood lumber for their economic well-being."