ABC’s Stand for Fair Competition at the U.S. House of Representatives

By Marcos Zelada-Rodas, Director of Government Affairs, ABC Heart of America

Recently, during ABC National’s Legislative Week in Washington D.C., I had the incredible opportunity to attend a crucial hearing at the U.S. House of Representatives. This experience came just a day after some of our highly dedicated ABC Heart of America members had impactful meetings with members of Congress and their staff from Kansas and Missouri. At the hearing, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) articulated a strong case for fair and open competition in federal construction, specifically opposing the government-mandated project labor agreements (PLAs) unfairly favoring certain contractors and unions. 

A Day at Capitol Hill The hearing, led by ABC’s representatives, occurred before the Committee on Oversight and Accountability’s Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation. Our testimony emphasized the urgent need for Congress to pass the Fair and Open Competition Act (H.R. 1209/S. 537) to prevent these restrictive PLAs from disadvantaging most of the construction workforce. The Impact of PLAs  

Ben Brubeck, ABC’s Vice President of Regulatory, Labor, and State Affairs, explained how PLAs can increase construction costs by up to 20% and exclude 89.3% of the U.S. construction workforce that chooses not to affiliate with unions. This raises costs for taxpayers and unfairly limits who can contribute to building our nation’s infrastructure. 

Personal Observations 

Attending the hearing myself was incredibly enlightening and confirmed how important it is for ABC to represent our industry at this level. Hearing our experts speak out against PLAs reminded everyone present of the barriers these agreements create for most of our non-union workforce. Congressman Eric Burlison from Missouri also made some strong points during the hearing, particularly about how PLAs often lead to higher costs for taxpayers. His perspective was grounded in our industry’s economic realities, highlighting the unfair financial burden these policies could place on our projects and the public. 

Watching the various viewpoints unfold, especially those aligned with our views, showed the breadth of the debate around fair competition in federal contracting. Being there in person helped me see how crucial our voice is in these discussions to ensure the interests of merit-shop construction are heard and considered. This firsthand experience was invaluable, not just for the insights I gained but also for the opportunity to bring this knowledge back to our members in the Heart of America chapter. It strengthens our ability to advocate more effectively for merit-shop principles and to push for a legislative environment that benefits all construction stakeholders. 

Why It Matters 

The success of this hearing is crucial for bringing the information back to the Heart of America. It empowers us to better advocate for merit-shop principles and ensures that all contractors, regardless of union affiliation, have a fair shot at contributing to public projects. This isn’t just about fairness; it’s about achieving the best results for our community’s investments. 

Additional Resources 

• Watch the hearing and read Brubeck’s full testimony. 

• Learn more at abc.org/bidenplafaqs and on the BuildAmericaLocal coalition website.  

Our advocacy efforts are ongoing and critical to the work our members do every day. As we continue to engage with lawmakers and policymakers, we’re committed to ensuring that our builders and contractors have the support and fair opportunities they need to succeed. Let’s remain vigilant in promoting a competitive and equitable environment for all our members. 

For more information or to get more involved, contact ABCHOA Government Affairs Director, Marcos Zelada-Rodas at marcos@abcksmo.org