Political Quotes

“I would like attention to be directed to one of many problems on the outdated Davis-Bacon Act of 1931. As my colleagues know, this law requires the State and local construction projects receiving over $2,000 in Federal aid must adhere to the Federal prevailing wage, which on average is 17 to 22 percent higher than the State level. Because of these higher wages, State and local construction projects can cost up to 38 percent more than they would have without the act. This enormous waste of taxpayers dollars is proof that the Davis-Bacon Act should be modernized. In the 70 years since its introduction, the act has never been adjusted for inflation and has not been amended according to current construction standards. Meanwhile, inflated Davis-Bacon costs continually hinder emergency relief efforts and federally-assisted construction projects because of the additional costs communities must pay if they receive a mere $2,000 in Federal aid. Because this $2,000 minimum was set in 1931 and has never been adjusted, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Coble) and I have introduced H.R. 2094, the Davis-Bacon Modernization Act, which would increase the threshold from $2,000 to $100,000. While many of my colleagues believe this number is not high enough, I believe it is a good start. Let us make this law more reasonable and, above all, helpful. I urge my colleagues to help communities across the country to get more bang for their buck.”