Congressional leaders have talked about an economic stimulus package that could total as much as $500 billion. While it is unlikely that it would be enacted before President-elect Obama takes the oath of office on January 20, AGC has been successful in advocating for significantly increased investment in Federal construction programs, including flood protection, military construction and federal facilities in the stimulus bill. 

The FAR Council on November 12 issued a final rule on its "Contractor Business Ethics Compliance Program and Disclosure Requirements." The rule becomes effective on December 12, 2008.

The final rule requiring Federal contractors and subcontractors to use the E-Verify system administered by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, as the means of verifying that certain of their employees are eligible to work in the United States was published November 14, 2008. The rulemaking will take effect January 15, 2009.

The 111th Congress will be sworn in January 6, 2009. The Congress will consist of larger Democratic majorities in both the House and Senate. In addition to the election results, there will be congressional leadership and committee changes as well as new cabinet posts.

Despite a great deal of talk about Congress taking up economic stimulus legislation in a lame duck session, it still remains uncertain whether or not this will happen. The Senate is scheduled to be in session next week. In the House, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has expressed the desire to go back into session to address stimulus legislation but she has not yet officially called the House back into session. In a press conference this week, President-Elect Obama urged Congress to pass stimulus legislation as soon as possible. However, President Bush has expressed skepticism about the benefit from this legislation.

AGC is asking for your help in gathering information concerning current conditions in the construction industry as well as the positive impact that would result from increased infrastructure funding.

As reported Monday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) convened a forum with economic experts to discuss an economic recovery plan for the nation.  She announced that she would be calling on the appropriate committee chairmen to conduct hearings on various portions of an economic recovery package in the upcoming weeks.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) convened a forum with economic experts to discuss an economic recovery plan for the nation on Monday.  Prior to the meeting, AGC sent a letter to Speaker Pelosi urging her to consider economic stimulus initiatives that will positively impact economic activity, including provisions to boost the construction industry.

Major changes are about to take place at HQ USACE in the coming weeks. LTG Robert Van Antwerp, Commander and Chief of Engineers recently announced two significant leadership changes.