As of March 5, a majority of federal agencies, including the Department of Labor (DOL) and Environmental Protection Agency, have launched guidance portals in accordance with a pair of executive orders (EO 13891 and EO 13892). These measures, signed by President Trump in October 2019, intend to reduce the impact of agency guidance the White House believes has become a back-door means of regulation. The orders target significant guidance that could have the potential to impact the economy, the environment, public health, or state, local, or tribal communities.

On Feb. 19, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao announced the award of $520 million in airport infrastructure grants to 287 airports (link is external) as part of the Airport Improvement Program (AIP).

Includes Top-line Surface Reauthorization Figures, Additional Infrastructure Investment in Request

Construction Officials Discuss Workforce Shortages Facing the Industry

Review of the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, or PRO Act for Short, Finds the Measure’s Provisions Would be More Harmful to Union Contractors and Workers than to Open Shop Firms

Outlines Released By Democrats and Republicans Should Inspire Congress to Make Fixing and Expanding Infrastructure its Top Priority, Top Construction Official Notes

On Dec. 20, President Trump signed two spending packages totaling $1.4 trillion, preventing another year-end government shutdown and providing annual funding to all agencies of the federal government through September 30, 2020. Overall, federal construction accounts saw about a nine percent increase—or $12.4 billion—in funding in comparison to FY 2019 funding levels. Click here for a full AGC analysis of federal and federal-aid construction accounts for FY2020.

On Dec. 9, the House and Senate Armed Services Committees released a compromise deal on S. 1790, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2020. Soon after, the House overwhelmingly passed this annual defense bill, 377-48, sending it to the Senate where it is expected pass in the coming days. This measure includes roughly $11.8 billion for military and military family housing construction. While the bill rejected the Administration’s request for more than $7 billion for border wall construction, it did not include earlier provisions that would have barred the reprograming of funds for projects along the southern border. The agreement also did not include controversial provisions surrounding PFAS substances, instead opting for less stringent measures that give direction to EPA and DOD to regulate. Click “read more” for further information on NDAA’s impact on the industry. 

On Nov. 21, Congress sent FY 2020 funding legislation to President Trump that includes AGC-backed repeal of a $7.6 billion cut to federal highway funding, known as a “rescission,” that was scheduled to take place on July 1, 2020. This rescission—required by the current federal highway and transit law, the FAST Act— would have affected all 50 states and the District of Columbia by limiting local flexibility and possibly hindering the ability to plan and carry out critical projects. AGC applauds Congress’ action to repeal this rescission and will continue to monitor the progress of FY 2020 spending legislation to ensure continued investment in our nation’s infrastructure.

On Oct. 29, Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, introduced a “skinny” National Defense Authorization Act. (NDAA) of Fiscal Year 2020.  Despite both the House and Senate passing their versions of the NDAA over the summer, conference negotiations have stalled between the chambers.