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This week, the American Subcontractors Association (ASA) brought its 2026 Legislative Fly-In to Capitol Hill, representing more than 2,800 subcontractors nationwide. A total of 58 ASA members participated in meetings with 55 congressional offices to advocate for policies that strengthen the construction workforce, protect subcontractors, and improve federal construction practices.

On Tuesday night, attendees had the opportunity to hear directly from lawmakers, including Congressmen Norcross (D-NJ), Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Bresnahan (R-PA), Stauber (R-MN), and Senator Cotton (R-AR), providing insights into legislative priorities and the federal construction landscape.

Key Legislative Priorities Highlighted During the Fly-In:

  • Prompt Payment for Change Orders: ASA members urged support for the Small Business Payment for Performance Act of 2025 (H.R. 4615) to ensure timely payment to contractors for approved change orders. 
  • Bonding on Public-Private Infrastructure Projects: The association advocated for the Water Infrastructure Subcontractor and Taxpayer Protection Act of 2025 (H.R. 1285 / S. 570) to maintain payment and performance bond protections on WIFIA-financed projects. 
  • College Apprenticeships: ASA supported the College Apprenticeship Act (H.R. 4588 / S. 2028), which would allow apprenticeships to count toward college degrees and strengthen pathways into the construction workforce. 
  • Construction Procurement Reform: Members engaged with the House Construction Procurement Caucus to promote fair, efficient, and equitable federal procurement policies. 
  • Workforce and Immigration Priorities: With the construction industry facing a critical shortage—ASA estimates a need for 723,000 workers annually—rising labor costs (4.4% average hourly increase), and growing project demand, ASA emphasized the urgency of workforce solutions. The association urged Congress to pursue targeted immigration reforms, including:
    • Expanding H-2B visas for returning and new workers 
    • Increasing employment-based visa quotas 
    • Creating a market-driven, renewable visa program with pathways to permanent residency 
    • Protecting DACA and TPS recipients 
    • Strengthening E-Verify with proper employer safeguards 
    • Ensuring reforms balance national security, fair enforcement, and legal pathways for law-abiding workers contributing to the economy 

Through this week’s meetings and discussions, ASA successfully highlighted the challenges subcontractors face and reinforced the importance of federal policies that ensure fair payment, workforce development, and the long-term success of the construction industry.