Speaking to a sell-out crowd, Vice President of the United States Mike Pence thanked the “Marine Corps of American politics—the first on the beach for freedom in the workplace—the Associated Builders and Contractors of America” for their service to the nation and the communities where they live and work. Pence headlined the association’s annual Legislative Day in Washington, D.C., June 22, addressing more than 400 members before they swarmed Capitol Hill to tell members of Congress the merit shop story.

“The truth is that the members of ABC fight for a stronger and more prosperous America, for coming alongside men and women like me and my family each and every day,” Pence said. “And I’m going to make you a promise: President Donald Trump is fighting every day for all of you and the values of this great organization.  

“It's amazing to think, for more than 65 years, Associated Builders and Contractors have stood without apology for the time-honored principles of open competition and free enterprise,” he said. “This president knows that builders and contractors are the cornerstone of American communities, large and small. And that's especially true of this group.”

Pence highlighted the central role ABC members will play in rebuilding America’s infrastructure. “Make no mistake about it, President Donald Trump is the best friend American builders and contractors will ever have. This president has promised, simply put, in his words, to rebuild America. And it's businesses like yours that are going to play such a leading role in doing that. Ahead of schedule and under budget, right? This president and our administration will not rest or relent until America has the best roads, the best bridges, the best airports and the best infrastructure in the world once again.  So get ready to get busy.” 

Pence also underscored President Trump’s commitment to reform workforce and vocational education, cut regulatory red tape, slash taxes and repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Read the entire speech on whitehouse.gov.