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Update: Debt Limit Speaker McCarthy proposed a bill that would raise the U.S. debt limit and cut federal spending. The plan would increase the debt ceiling by $1.5 trillion, enough to suspend U.S. default payments until March 31, 2024; cap discretionary spending at the FY22 levels or a $130 billion cut and cap increases to…

ASA Supports 5% Retainage Cap and Retainage Bond Legislation in Washington As previously reported, ASA supports legislation in Washington that would cap retainage by 5%, and on April 18, 2023, that legislation passed in the Senate with a vote of 48-0.  The legislation is now on its way to the Governor’s desk for signature.  The…

ASA Supports Texas Payment and Performance Bond Legislation Our ASA Chapters in Texas support HB2518, which passed the House Committee on State Affairs Committee 12-0, and was placed on the House Calendar for consideration on Wednesday, April 26th.   The legislation would amend Sections 2253.001(3), (4) to expand the scope of the Texas Little Miller Act…

ASA Comments on FTC Non-Compete Clause Rule ASA, along with the Small Business Legislative Council (SBLC), offered comments to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)’s proposed non-compete clause rule.  ASA and the SBLC understood the motivations behind the FTC’s decision to issue the proposed rule.  However, we have serious concerns about the impact that the proposed…

This Week in Congress Congress returned to a marathon stretch as they prepare legislation to address freight rail accidents, transgender athletes, firefighter assistance, and war powers authorization.  One or both chambers will be in session now until the two week break in anticipation of 4th July.  This week, Sens. McConnell (R-KY) and Fetterman (D-PA) returned…

ASA Supports the Small Business Payment for Performance Act of 2023 The American Subcontractors Association (ASA) commends Construction Procurement Caucus (CPC) Co-Chairs, Stauber (R-MN) and Peters (D-CA) as well as Reps. Veasey (D-TX) and Fitzpatrick (R-PA) for the introduction of the ‘‘Small Business Payment for Performance Act of 2023.’’ This critical legislation lessens the considerable…

ASA Supports the Freedom from Government Competition Act (FFGCA) The American Subcontractors Association (ASA) commends Rep. Bean (R-FL) for introducing the Freedom from Government Competition Act. This is long overdue, common sense legislation will support free enterprise, particularly small business, while making government more efficient by focusing the federal workforce on inherently governmental activities. Return…

Update: Debt Limit House Republicans are working on a plan to suspend the debt ceiling. The legislation would suspend the debt-ceiling until about May 2024, cut discretionary spending to FY22 levels and cap its growth at 1% annually for 10 years; claw back unspent Covid funds; overhaul energy permitting; and increase welfare work requirements. Return…

Take the Pledge with FASA Cares The ongoing FASA Cares campaign is highlighting FASA’s support of Suicide Prevention and Diversity & Inclusion initiatives being advocated throughout the construction industry. Key to supporting these initiatives are the pledges that ASA took with both the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention and the Culture of Care initiative…

Prequalify One and Done with COMPASS ASA and Bespoke Metrics are collaborating to develop a better prequalification experience for Subcontractors to alleviate form fatigue, enhance data ownership/privacy, and improve feedback and transparency. During these uncertain times, Subcontractor risk management has been essential to ensure the integrity of the construction supply chain. As we approach The…