Archive for March 2022

Infrastructure Projects Fully Funded The recent passage of the FY22 Omnibus Package allows for the full funding of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which is something we’ve advocated for since the IIJA’s passage on November 15, 2021.  The Transportation Department would receive $102.9 billion in budgetary resources, which includes regular appropriations and money…

43 Senators Oppose President Biden’s PLA Mandate Forty-three Republican senators are condemning President Biden’s February 4th  Executive Order guaranteeing collective bargaining agreements for individual public infrastructure projects, claiming it hinders competitive bidding and wastes taxpayer dollars.  Per their letter dated March 8th, “mandating PLAs will prevent qualified contractors from fairly competing for contracts. These mandates…

Department of Labor Announces Proposed Rule on Prevailing Wage On Friday, March 11, 2022, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a proposed rule that could lead to wage increases for many workers on government-funded construction projects.  DOL’s proposal from their Wage and Hour Division (WHD) would require more frequent updates to the minimum wages…

This Week in Congress The House voted on legislation condemning violent threats against historically Black colleges and universities, a $1.5 trillion omnibus FY22 government funding package, along with spending bills for Ukraine aid and Covid-19 resources.  The Senate voted on a postal overhaul bill (HR 3076) and the House passed $1.5 trillion omnibus FY22 government…

U.S. Capitol Restrictions After two years of pandemic and insurrection-related security restrictions, lobbyists are urging Congress to let them roam the halls of Capitol Hill once again. The National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics, which represents lobbyists, is asking that the restrictions be lifted. The group is concerned with strict rules on the House side.…

FY22 Omnibus Funding Package Congress worked on passing a $1.5 trillion omnibus appropriations package, along with funding for Ukraine aid and Covid-19. Both chambers needed to pass the bill by Friday night’s deadline when the current continuing resolution (CR) expires. Per Senate Majority Leader Schumer, the Ukraine spending bill will total “more than $12 billion.”…

A Congressional Welcome to the 2022 SUBExcel Sens. Rubio (R-FL) and Scott (R-FL), along with Rep. Steube (R-FL), welcomed the 2022 SUBExcel in Miramar Beach, FL.  SUBExcel is the annual national convention of the American Subcontractors Association (ASA), a trade association representing construction subcontractors, specialty trade contractors and suppliers.  At this year’s SUBExcel, ASA’s Government…

This Week in Congress Congress was in session this week with the Senate voting on abortion, violence against women, and postal reform legislation.  The House voted on legislation to expand veterans’ care and benefits. Return to the ASAToday page to read more articles.

ASA Urges House and Senate Leadership Infrastructure Funding Flexibility ASA, along with the Transportation Infrastructure Coalition, urged House and Senate Leadership to allow states and localities greater flexibility with their American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds.  ASA supported S. 3011 and H.R. 5735, which would allow for this flexibility, and we hope that this legislation will…

U.S. Department of Transportation Awards $450 Million in Grant Funding for Port-Related Projects On Wednesday, February 23, 2022, the U.S. Transportation Department awarded $450 million in grants for port-related projects to bolster capacity and improve the movement of goods as the U.S. economy continues to be affected by congested supply chains.  Applicants must show that…