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President Trump’s Tariffs Proceed with Intensity As of August 1, 2025, President Trump’s tariffs proceed with intensity estimating that the average rate is now 15.2%, well above last year’s 2.3% and the highest level since World War II. A special tariff rate of 50% will apply in three weeks to India as punishment for purchasing…

Vacancies in DOL Leadership?   The Senate faces a substantial labor agenda upon its return from the August recess, with 10 nominees pending for key enforcement roles at the U.S. Labor Department. Currently, every significant leadership position requiring Senate approval, apart from the Secretary and Deputy Secretary roles, is under temporary leadership. Notably, nominees such…

This Week in Congress! On Saturday, the Senate joined the House for the August recess, which is meant to be the laziest time of year in Washington. For hundreds of years, the oppressive heat and humidity has encouraged members of Congress to shut down their offices and return home to recharge, but this year, I…

This Week in Congress! The House adjourned on July 23, 2025, for the August Recess and will return on September 2nd! Before the Senate can head out for the summer recess, senators have to confirm several nominees, along with passing a minibus funding package, which includes Legislative Branch, the Military Construction-VA and Agriculture-FDA funding bills.…

Rep. Stauber (R-MN) Reintroduces the Small Business Payment Performance Act On July 23, 2025, Rep. Stauber (MN-08) reintroduced the Small Business Payment for Performance Act, which will require fair treatment of small construction contractors by federal agencies during the procurement process. Of this legislation, Congressman Stauber stated, “Small businesses on Main Street America are the…

Tariffs, Trade Negotiations, and No More Extensions!   President Trump reached new trade deals with the European Union and Japan. As of August 1st, the tariff rates will be imposed on the following countries: Japan Deal – 15 % EU Deal – 15% UK Deal – 10% Philippines Deal – 19% Indonesia Deal – 19% Vietnam Deal – 20% – 40%…

The Revolutionary FAR Overhaul has arrived to FAR Part 36 Impacting Federal Construction Projects New subparts 36.1, Pre-Solicitation, 36.2, Evaluation and Award and 36.3, Post award, respectively, create logical organization for all activities in alignment with the acquisition lifecycle creating clear points of reference for the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). The scope of the part…

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This Week in Congress! This week, the Senate began floor action on FY2026 spending bills, aiming for bipartisan progress before the August recess. The House continued advancing funding measures as members of Congress face a September 30 deadline to avoid a shutdown, along with voting on a disapproval resolution over rules by the Bureau of…

24 Senate Republicans Urge President Trump to Stop Project Labor Agreements (PLA)s Senate Republicans have expressed concern over President Trump’s decision to maintain a Biden-era mandate requiring project labor agreements (PLAs) for large federal construction projects. Nearly two dozen GOP senators have urged the president to withdraw a 2024 rule mandating that bidders on federally…