This week, AGC of America members from across the country convened in Washington, D.C. for the National and Chapter Leadership Conference. As part of the program, members heard from Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.), a former electrical contractor who emphasized the need for greater workforce investment and meaningful permitting reform. Building on his remarks, members went to Capitol Hill to meet directly with lawmakers and their staff to press for the industry’s top priorities.
These meetings gave contractors the chance to demonstrate how federal policies shape their businesses, workers, and communities. By sharing real-world experiences, AGC members put a human face on the industry’s challenges and solutions. From labor shortages and immigration reform to the rising costs tied to regulatory burdens, members underscored that smart federal action can strengthen the construction industry, create jobs, and drive economic growth.
Building the Workforce of Tomorrow
AGC members urged lawmakers to invest in workforce education by reversing the higher education bias against non-four-year degree programs, reforming the public workforce system under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), and expanding the overall talent pool. These efforts are aimed at strengthening career and technical education opportunities and ensuring that the next generation of workers can meet the industry’s growing demand for skilled labor.
Reforming Employment-Based Immigration
With workforce shortages continuing to challenge contractors nationwide, AGC members also pushed for common-sense immigration reforms. Priorities included creating new temporary visas for lesser-skilled workers to address workforce needs and curb illegal immigration, ensuring the H-2B visa program remains a viable option for construction employers, and supporting the Dignity Act to both strengthen borders and modernize the immigration system.
Protecting Contractors from Unfair Risk and Liability
Another top issue was the need to shield contractors from unfair costs and uncertainty. AGC members highlighted reforms to the Buy America waiver process, measures to protect contractors from uncertainty around tariffs, and solutions to prevent contractors from being unfairly held liable for PFAS contamination, which is driving up costs across the industry.
AGC members also raised additional priorities with lawmakers, including the need to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure, advance environmental permitting reform, secure funding for federal construction, and invest in critical water and broadband projects. Members also expressed appreciation to Congress for preventing a tax increase on the construction industry.
By engaging directly with elected leaders, AGC members continue to ensure that the construction industry’s voice is heard in Washington, advancing policies that strengthen the workforce, reform immigration, and protect contractors from unnecessary risk.
Visit the AGC Advocacy website to learn more about the association’s federal priorities, surface transportation reauthorization priorities, and issue one-pagers.
