Mobile Courant

U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville and Todd Young have reintroduced the Fair and Open Competition Act (FOCA) in a bid to alter federal project labor agreements. The legislation aims to prevent the federal government from mandating such agreements on taxpayer-funded projects, thereby increasing opportunities for bidding, enhancing workforce competition, lowering construction costs, and saving taxpayer money.

Senator Tuberville highlighted the importance of an equal playing field for workers in Alabama, stating that as a Right-to-Work state, Alabama does not compel workers to unionize. "Construction companies and workers should win bids based off of merit, not their unionization status," said Tuberville. He expressed pride in collaborating with colleagues to protect workers, boost business, and reduce costs.

Senator Young emphasized that the FOCA is pro-worker legislation designed to restore competition in the construction industry. "This bill strikes the right balance to ensure various contractors can bid on these projects on their own merits," said Young.

The reintroduction of this legislation has seen support from several other senators including Marsha Blackburn, Katie Britt, Ted Budd, John Cornyn, Kevin Cramer, Mike Crapo, Ted Cruz, Lindsey Graham, Chuck Grassley, Bill Hagerty, James Lankford, Cynthia Lummis, Jim Risch, Rick Scott, and Thom Tillis.

In the House of Representatives, Congressman Clay Higgins has been leading similar efforts.

This move comes after President Biden's Executive Order 14063 issued on February 4th last year. The order mandates Project Labor Agreements for federal construction projects valued at $35 million or more with limited exceptions.

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and serves on several committees including Armed Services and Agriculture.