Young Reintroduces Legislation to Promote Competition, Protect Taxpayer Dollars in Government Contracting

WASHINGTON, DC –  U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), along with 18 of his Senate colleagues, reintroduced the Fair and Open Competition Act (FOCA), which would prevent the federal government from mandating project labor agreements (PLAs) on federal projects funded by taxpayers. This legislation would provide more opportunities to bid on government work, increase workforce competition, lower government construction costs, and save taxpayer dollars.

“The Fair and Open Competition Act is pro-worker legislation that will restore competition in the construction industry, protect Hoosier workers from discriminatory contracts, and lower costs for taxpayers,” said Senator Young. “Growing up with a dad who ran a small business and around family members and close friends who were union members, I appreciate what everyone brings to the table. This bill strikes the right balance to ensure all types of contractors can bid on these federal construction projects on their own merits without circumscribing who can win the award.” 

“The ABC Indiana/Kentucky chapter, representing more than 660 member companies, applauds Sen. Young for introducing the Fair and Open Competition Act. FOCA would ensure that federal and federally assisted construction investments are free from government-mandated project labor agreements or preferences. This legislation is a win-win for taxpayers, the economy and Indiana’s construction industry, as it would create the conditions for the majority of Indiana’s skilled labor and qualified contractors to compete on a level playing field to deliver to taxpayers the best construction projects at the best price possible,” said ABC Indiana/Kentucky chapter president and CEO J.R. Gaylor.

Full bill text can be found here.