Build Local, Hire Local Act

Hozzl · 2023-01-11T13:49:36Z

Explore the details of House Bill 3473 Build Local, Hire Local Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Transportation and Public Works. Stay informed on legislative developments.

1/11/2023, 1:49 PM

Summary of Bill HR 3473

Bill 117 HR 3473, also known as the Build Local, Hire Local Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered in the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to promote the hiring of local workers for federally funded infrastructure projects.

The bill requires that any project receiving federal funding must make a good faith effort to hire workers who reside within a certain radius of the project site. This is intended to support local economies and ensure that the benefits of federal infrastructure investments are felt by the communities where the projects are taking place.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to encourage the use of local businesses for materials and supplies needed for the projects. This is aimed at further boosting the local economy and creating a ripple effect of economic growth in the area. Supporters of the Build Local, Hire Local Act argue that it will help to create jobs and stimulate economic development in communities across the country. They believe that by prioritizing local workers and businesses, the bill will lead to more equitable distribution of the benefits of federal infrastructure spending. Opponents of the bill, however, raise concerns about potential inefficiencies and increased costs associated with hiring local workers and sourcing materials locally. They argue that these requirements could limit competition and drive up project costs, ultimately leading to delays and budget overruns. Overall, the Build Local, Hire Local Act is a contentious piece of legislation that seeks to address the issue of local economic development in the context of federal infrastructure projects. Its fate in Congress remains uncertain as lawmakers continue to debate the potential benefits and drawbacks of the bill.

Congressional Summary of HR 3473

Build Local, Hire Local Act

This bill imposes various requirements on certain federally assisted infrastructure projects. The bill also creates infrastructure-related grant programs and establishes the Buy America Bureau.

Such federally assisted infrastructure projects must (1) employ a certain percentage of local workers to the maximum extent practicable; and (2) prioritize hiring certain individuals, such as veterans and those facing barriers to employment. A certain percentage of funds for these projects must be used for contracts with small businesses that have fewer than 10 employees.

When applying for a contract, grant, or loan related to a project, the applying entity must disclose whether there are any rulings, such as a civil judgment, finding that the entity has violated certain federal labor and occupational safety laws in the last three years.

In addition, the Department of Transportation must award grants to entities in disadvantaged and underserved communities for infrastructure projects that create connected, economically prosperous, and environmentally healthy communities. Further, the Department of Labor must provide grants to workforce development boards and industry partnerships for job training programs to train certain groups, such as individuals with barriers to employment, for jobs in targeted infrastructure industries.

The bill also establishes the Buy America Bureau within the Department of Commerce to oversee project compliance with existing laws that require the use of U.S.-made materials in certain federally funded projects.

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Current Status of Bill HR 3473

Bill HR 3473 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since May 25, 2021. Bill HR 3473 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on May 25, 2021. Bill HR 3473's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit. as of July 1, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 3473

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Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 3473

Primary Policy Focus

Transportation and Public Works

Potential Impact Areas

Accounting and auditingAdvisory bodiesAge discriminationAir qualityAlternative dispute resolution, mediation, arbitrationAssault and harassment offensesAviation and airportsBuilding constructionBusiness investment and capitalBuy American requirementsChild care and developmentClimate change and greenhouse gasesCommunity life and organizationCongressional oversightDepartment of CommerceDisability and paralysisEducational technology and distance educationEmployee hiringEmployee leaveEmployment and training programsEmployment discrimination and employee rightsEnvironmental regulatory proceduresExecutive agency funding and structureGovernment information and archivesGovernment lending and loan guaranteesHazardous wastes and toxic substancesHealth care coverage and accessHealth facilities and institutionsHealth technology, devices, suppliesHousing and community development fundingHousing supply and affordabilityIndian social and development programsInfrastructure developmentInternet and video servicesInternet, web applications, social mediaLabor standardsLabor-management relationsMigrant, seasonal, agricultural laborMinority and disadvantaged businessesMinority employmentPerformance measurementPollution liabilityPublic contracts and procurementPublic housingPublic transitPublic-private cooperationRailroadsRegional and metropolitan planningResearch administration and fundingRoads and highwaysRural conditions and developmentSex offensesSex, gender, sexual orientation discriminationSmall businessSolid waste and recyclingTransportation programs fundingTransportation safety and securityUnemploymentUrban and suburban affairs and developmentVeterans' education, employment, rehabilitationWages and earningsWater qualityWater resources fundingWater use and supplyWomen in businessWorker safety and health

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 3473

Build Local, Hire Local ActTo establish an expansive infrastructure program to create local jobs and raise the quality of life in every community, to launch middle class career pathways in infrastructure, and to invest in high-quality American jobs, and for other purposes.Build Local, Hire Local Act

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