On February 27, the U.S. House passed President Biden’s $1.9T COVID-relief bill by a 219-212 vote, mostly along party lines. The measure is now soon to be considered by the Senate. On the infrastructure front, the package would provide: $30 billion to public transit programs, $8 billion to airports and $1.5 billion to Amtrak. The vast majority of those funds would go to maintaining existing operations, not capital construction. The measure would also provide $350 billion for state and local governments.
The U.S. Department of Interior has proposed to delay the effective date of the Trump Administration’s final rule to decriminalize incidental take (accidental harm) under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) finalized in January. AGC supports the Trump Administration's rule as it provides clarity and relief for industry and private citizens from prosecution for engaging in lawful actions that may result in the accidental injuring or killing of a migratory bird.
Carper Reiterates Memorial Day Goal for Committee Passage of Bill
Agency Should Consider Science, Experience and Practical, Industry-Specific Approaches
Would Prohibit Government-Mandated PLAs on Federal & Federal-Aid Projects
Offering Undocumented Immigrants a Path to Legal Status Will Put an End to Unfair Competition and Labor Exploitation, But Bill Fails to Create a Construction Worker Visa Program, Has Other Flaws
National Association will Use Results to Push for Additional Relief Measures
AGC called on President Biden to take immediate steps to address soaring lumber prices, as well as rising costs for other construction materials. AGC CEO Steve Sandherr warned that rapidly rising lumber prices pose a growing threat to multifamily housing and other construction sectors. He urged the administration to work with domestic lumber producers to ramp up production to ease growing shortages. He also called on the President to work with Canada on a new softwood lumber agreement and eliminate existing tariffs on wood products.
Government-Mandated Project Labor Agreements, Local Hire Mandates and More
Rolls Back Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Program