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Adjusting Davis-Bacon for Inflation Act

12/15/2023, 3:53 PM

Summary of Bill HR 144

Bill 118 hr 144, also known as the Adjusting Davis-Bacon for Inflation Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The bill aims to adjust the prevailing wage requirements under the Davis-Bacon Act to account for inflation.

The Davis-Bacon Act, passed in 1931, requires that contractors and subcontractors working on federally funded construction projects pay their workers the prevailing wage in the area where the project is located. However, the prevailing wage rates set by the Department of Labor have not been adjusted for inflation in many years, leading to concerns that workers are not being adequately compensated for their labor.

The Adjusting Davis-Bacon for Inflation Act seeks to address this issue by requiring the Department of Labor to annually adjust the prevailing wage rates to reflect changes in the cost of living. This would ensure that workers are paid a fair wage that keeps pace with inflation and allows them to support themselves and their families. Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to ensure that workers are not being exploited and that they are receiving fair compensation for their work. Opponents, however, may argue that adjusting the prevailing wage rates could increase costs for construction projects and ultimately harm the economy. Overall, the Adjusting Davis-Bacon for Inflation Act is a proposed piece of legislation that aims to address concerns about the adequacy of prevailing wage rates under the Davis-Bacon Act. It is currently being debated in Congress, and its ultimate fate remains uncertain.

Congressional Summary of HR 144

Adjusting Davis-Bacon for Inflation Act

This bill increases from $2,000 to $50,000 the threshold above which the prevailing wage requirements apply to federal or District of Columbia government contracts involving the construction, alteration, or repair of public buildings or public works. These requirements generally ensure that workers are paid the prevailing local wage where such projects takes place.

Current Status of Bill HR 144

Bill HR 144 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 9, 2023. Bill HR 144 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on January 9, 2023.  Bill HR 144's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. as of January 9, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 144

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
2
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
2
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 144

Primary Policy Focus

Labor and Employment

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 144

Adjusting Davis-Bacon for Inflation Act
Adjusting Davis-Bacon for Inflation Act
To amend the provisions of title 40, United States Code, commonly known as the Davis-Bacon Act, to raise the threshold dollar amount of contracts subject to the prevailing wage requirements of such provisions.

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