RSC Member Policy Actions

Washington, Feb 16, 2011 -

Congressman John Sullivan introduced H.R. 735, the Government Neutrality in Contracting Act. This legislation would nullify President Obama’s executive order to remove the prohibition on union-only project labor agreements (PLAs).  Senator David Vitter (R-LA) introduced identical legislation, S. 119, in the Senate earlier this year. 

Congressman John Sullivan released the following statement:

“American tax payers deserve to know that federal contracts are being awarded based on sound, credible criteria such as quality of work, experience and most importantly cost – instead of union affiliation.  My legislation will ensure open and honest bidding, and will save American taxpayers money” Sullivan said.  “It is simply unacceptable to allow the federal government to discriminate against 87 percent of the U.S. private construction workforce – and the 98 percent in Oklahoma - who seek federal contracts.  Studies show that PLAs can drive up the cost of construction projects as much as 18 percent.  My bill is just good government plain and simple.  We owe it to Oklahoma businesses whose livelihood depends on their ability to bid on fair construction projects in a fair and open process.”