House Republicans are set to question a recent executive order by President Biden that mandates the use of project labor agreements (PLAs) in federal contracting. These agreements are negotiations between unions and construction contractors that determine terms of employment. Rep. Nancy Mace has criticized the order, accusing the White House of using taxpayer dollars to benefit political allies instead of promoting fair competition. A hearing has been scheduled to address these concerns, with Mace calling out President Biden for allegedly favoring labor unions over non-union construction workers.
Ben Brubeck, a witness at the hearing and vice president of Associated Builders and Contractors, plans to testify about the negative impact the executive order will have on his organization’s ability to bid for government contracts. He takes issue with the requirement for collective bargaining pacts to be formed early in the hiring process. Brubeck argues that the order promotes government protectionism that benefits special interests at the expense of fair competition for taxpayer-funded projects. He also mentions President Biden’s claim of being the most pro-union president in history, indicating a clear bias towards labor unions.
The executive order, which came into effect in January, has faced criticism from Republicans who believe it discriminates against non-union construction firms. The White House has not provided a response to the concerns raised by House Republicans regarding the order. Rep. Mace and other witnesses at the hearing plan to highlight the alleged favoritism towards labor unions and the negative impact on non-union construction workers across the country. The hearing aims to bring attention to what critics see as a departure from traditional competitive contracting procedures.
At the hearing, witnesses like Ben Brubeck will speak out against President Biden’s executive order on project labor agreements, arguing that it hinders fair competition and benefits special interests. The order has been described as a political move to repay favors to unions, with critics claiming it prioritizes union bosses over the livelihoods of non-union construction workers. The testimony presented at the hearing will shed light on the challenges faced by contractors in bidding for federal projects and the impact of the order on their businesses.
The scheduled hearing on the executive order is part of House Republicans’ efforts to scrutinize President Biden’s pro-union policies and the alleged favoritism towards labor unions in federal contracting. Witnesses like Ben Brubeck will provide insight into the practical implications of the order on contractors and their ability to compete for government contracts. The hearing will serve as a platform for critics to voice their concerns and push for fair competition in federal contracting processes. Overall, the focus will be on examining the purported negative effects of the executive order on the construction industry and the broader implications for taxpayer-funded projects.
