Herbert Hoover actually said...
It is expressly understood and agreed that for the purpose of said act every person, while performing work of a laborer or mechanic on the public work covered by this contract, is to be regarded as employed as a laborer or mechanic by the contractor or subcontractor, regardless of any contractual relationship alleged to exist between the contractor or subcontractor and such laborer or mechanic.
Context
Executive Order 5778—Stipulations for the Payment of Prevailing Rate of Wages in Public Building Contracts
01/18/1932