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Biden Administration Announce Talent Pipeline Challenge On Friday, the Biden Administration announced the “Talent Pipeline Challenge,” that would connect employers to organizations that offer job training, such as unions, industry associations, and community colleges.  The effort also encourages state and local government to use funding from the infrastructure law and the American Rescue Plan to…

OSHA May NOT Issue a Rule on COVID-19 Healthcare Construction The Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health recommended a separate rule on construction in hospitals from COVID-19 infections is not necessary, but should be included in the proposed permanent healthcare standard. The committee’s decision makes it unlikely OSHA will pursue a separate rule focused…

This Week in Congress The House voted this week on the Senate’s version of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, which ASA supported to eliminate port congestion, along with legislation to address food and fuel prices, diversity practices at financial institutions, and wildlife recovery and conservation efforts.  Additionally, the House select committee investigating January 6, 2021…

ASA Urges Delay of New Buy America, Build America Act (BABAA) Requirements for Construction Materials in the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act (IIJA) This week, ASA, along with the AGC and other similarly situated associations, urged the Department of Transportation (DOT) to delay the new Buy America, Build America Act (BABAA) requirements for construction materials…

Oceans Shipping Reform Act Awaiting President Biden’s Signature The House voted this week to pass the Senate-passed Ocean Shipping Reform Act, which empowers the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to take steps to eliminate port bottlenecks and reduce shipping rates.  Once passed, the bill will be sent for the President’s signature.  The legislation would prohibit carriers…

Senate Gun Safety Proposal Over this past weekend, a group of 20 senators (10 Republicans and 10 Democrats) reached a deal on a “framework” for a gun-control package. Senate Majority Leader Schumer, Speaker Pelosi, and President Biden are all supportive of this package. With at least 10 Senate Republicans in favor of the legislation, the…

DOL Reviews Independent Contractor Rule On June 3, 2022, the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division announced that it is reviewing regulations addressing the distinction between an employee and an independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Independent contractors are not guaranteed the federal minimum wage and overtime pay that covered employees…

This Week in Congress There are now less than seven work weeks before Congress leaves town for its month-long August recess.  By the time the members return in September, the fervor of the midterms will be the focus and most legislative priorities will be sidelined.  Much to the chagrin of the Democratic leadership, crises and…

ASA Supports the Strengthening Small Business Subcontracting Act This week, the House passed ASA supported legislation (H.R. 7694), the “Strengthening Small Business Subcontracting Act,” which was unanimously passed and reported out of the U.S. House Committee on Small Business. This bipartisan legislation authored by Reps. Mfume (D-MD) and Stauber (R-MN) revises the language of the…

ASA Member Discounts on Upcoming Webinars from SESCO ASA is excited to announce the latest lineup of webinars available through SESCO Management Consultants.  ASA Members can get a 15% discount just by using the promo code SPRING15 when you register!  SESCO is just one of the many member benefits available through your ASA membership.  To…