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For Immediate Release                                                        November 21, 2013

Arlington, Va. – Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today expressed concern over a controversial change in U.S. Senate rules and procedures that will allow the majority party to skirt a filibuster to confirm certain presidential appointments.  Traditionally, 60 votes have been needed to confirm nominees and pass legislation, but by invoking this unprecedented rule change along partisan lines, the majority has lowered that threshold to a simple majority of 51 votes.

"Senator Reid made the unfortunate decision to use the so-called nuclear option to break Senate rules to achieve a partisan political victory,” said ABC Vice President of Government Affairs Geoff Burr. “Unfortunately, it will be Americans who have to live with the fallout of his decision, which opens the door to controversial nominees for important federal offices and will no doubt increase the proliferation of legislation that would negatively impact the merit shop construction industry."

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Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national trade association representing 22,000 members from more than 19,000 construction and industry-related firms. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 70 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically, profitably and for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. Visit us at www.abc.org.