Next week, Congress is expected to take action on several bills important to the construction industry.

Amendment to Restrict Imposition of PLAs on FY 2011 Work Narrowly Defeated On February 16, Representative John Sullivan (R-Okla.) introduced legislation that seeks to ensure that federal contracts are awarded through open competition.

This week in Washington focused on all things budget.  On Monday, President Obama unveiled his $3.7 trillion fiscal year (FY) 2012 budget, while the House of Representatives continues to debate a continuing resolution (CR) for the remainder of FY 2011 that would cut about $100 billion from last year’s spending level.

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Marks-Up New Bill, Senate Scheduled to Pass Bill This Week   

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee this week reported out a bill to extend highway and transit program authorization through September 30, 2011, the end of the fiscal year.

As part of their efforts to cut $100 billion in federal spending, House Republicans are proposing to reduce Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funds for FY2011 down to $50 million, a $10 million reduction from FY2010 levels and the President’s original budget for FY2011. 

As part of the Administration’s FY 2012 Budget Request to Congress, the U.S. Department of the Treasury Monday released the General Explanations of the Administration’s FY 2012 Revenue Proposals, or “Greenbook.” 

A year after its original proposed rulemaking, the U.S. Small Business Administration today published a package of final rules that will revise regulations to strengthen its 8(a) Business Development program to better ensure that the benefits flow to the intended recipients and help prevent waste, fraud and abuse.

Senator Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) Tuesday filed an amendment to repeal the 3 percent withholding mandate during consideration of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund Reauthorization being considered by the Senate. 

Continuing Resolution Pending, Possibility of More Cuts Loom