On Feb. 24, ABC submitted a letter for the record to the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works for its hearing, “Building Back Better: Investing in Transportation While Addressing Climate Change, Improving Equity and Fostering Economic Growth and Innovation,” to urge the committee to consider policies that will increase competition, reduce costly and ineffective regulations and address the construction industry’s skilled worker shortage.

In the letter, ABC highlighted the ABC-supported Fair and Open Competition Act (H.R. 1284 / S. 403), which was introduced by Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Rep. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) on Feb 24, as a policy that would allow all qualified construction companies to compete for federal and federally funded construction projects while providing value for hardworking taxpayers, benefiting the entire construction industry.

ABC underscored its concerns over the harmful effects that the ABC-opposed National Apprenticeship Act (H.R. 447) would have on apprenticeship opportunities for millions of Americans, which would exacerbate workforce development challenges, should a significant infrastructure package be passed. Additionally, ABC strongly urged Congress to steer away from policies such as the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which would limit the opportunities for small businesses to compete on infrastructure projects.

The hearing comes as the details of President Joe Biden’s $2 trillion Build Back Better Plan have been put on hold as Congress continues to consider the COVID-19 relief package. ABC will continue to provide updates in Newsline.