On July 1, the House Armed Services Committee overwhelmingly passed (56-0) H.R. 6395, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021. In addition, on July 2, the Senate is set to vote on it’s version of the FY2021 NDAA (S.4049). AGC has provided feedback to both chambers on provisions important to federal construction contractors.
Together, AGC of America and its Maryland Chapter have plugged a potential loophole in standard contract provisions intended to preclude costly litigation over the damage that a project suffers during construction. The association’s victory in Maryland’s highest court means the standard provisions will continue to have their intended effect, precluding litigation over property damage that the builder’s risk insurance will cover.
Provides Online Tool to Help Workers Determine Eligibility
Provides Online Tool to Help Workers Determine Eligibility
A team of Construction Leadership Council volunteers participated in the latest CLC Community Service event at Harvesters’ regional food bank in Kansas City. During their 4 to 6 p.m. shift on February 27, they processed 520 boxes of food for elderly citizens in need. A shout-out to Emilia Rivera, CLC Community Service Chair and Director of Culture and Training, E&K of Kansas City, Inc., for organizing the event.
The COVID-19 crisis portends a new and troubling outlook for union construction contractors participating in multiemployer pension plans.
The Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) is in effect as of June 22, 2020. AGC has advocated every step of the way in this multi-year effort and supports the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ new rule. The rule appropriately distinguishes between federal and state waters and should bring greater clarity in the field. AGC provided a summary of the rule when the agencies finalized it in January of this year.
Two recent immigration policy changes highlight the need for Congress to enact permanent immigration reform. First, on June 18, the Supreme Court ruled that recipients under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) can continue to legally work in the country. The decision was the result of recent Trump Administration actions that attempted to roll back the 2012 DACA program. While the decision allows an estimated 80,000 DACA recipients working in the construction industry to continue to do so, the decision presents an opportunity for the Trump administration to continue pursuing an end to the program. It remains important for Congress to extend permanent protections to “Dreamers” and ensure that the construction industry has availability to a legal workforce.
Billions of Dollars for Military Construction Projects
After 11:59 pm on Tuesday, June 30, the Small Business Administration (SBA) will no longer accept applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. As of June 20, there was approximately $128 billion remaining in funding for the program; any contractors interested in applying must have their applications in by the end of the day on Tuesday.