Author: agcnews
On June 11–13, construction leaders from AGC of Kentucky traveled to Capitol Hill for the chapter’s annual Washington, D.C. Fly-In. The three-day program paired policy briefings and economic updates with face-to-face meetings across Kentucky’s congressional delegation, with both meetings at the AGC Townhouse and on Capitol Hill. The meetings gave contractors the opportunity to speak directly with lawmakers who shape federal immigration, workforce and tax legislation.AGC of Kentucky members discussed with lawmakers the importance of addressing the labor shortage and retaining pro-construction tax provisions slated to sunset after 2025. AGC chapters are welcome and encouraged to utilize the AGC Townhouse,…
As the regulatory freeze begins to thaw, agencies are preparing to begin proposing regulations. In our previous article in the series on regulatory process, we explained the kind of work agencies do to develop the administrative record and get ready to issue a proposed rule. In this article, we will examine the contents of a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), paying particular attention to cost-benefit analysis. In most cases, agencies are required to issue a proposed rule before making a regulation effective. The Administrative Procedure Act (APA) does, however, recognize that in certain situations there is “good cause” for skipping…
As Virginia faces a skilled labor shortage, the partnership between Henrico County Public Schools and local contractors is paving the way for a new generation of tradespeople. In this video, hear from construction leaders who helped build—and left unfinished—a real jobsite for students to complete as part of their training. From plumbing and electrical to HVAC and carpentry, students gain hands-on experience in a live construction environment—right in their own community. This immersive, homegrown approach to career and technical education not only sparks interest but also creates real pathways to rewarding careers—debt-free. As one speaker shares, “I went from swinging…
On June 11, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works has voted to advance Sean McMaster’s nomination as the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). You may recall, AGC previously reported on President Trump’s selection of McMaster to lead FHWA and AGC’s support of the nomination. McMaster has an extensive background in transportation policy, having previously held senior positions at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) during President Trump’s first term. Prior to his work at U.S. DOT, McMaster worked on Capitol Hill as professional staff for the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. His nomination will now head…
The AGC Financial Issues Forum convened in Washington, D.C. to discuss latest industry issues and their financial implications.Attendees include owners, Chief Financial Officers, Controllers, Treasurers, Certified Public Accountants, Auditors, Consultants, Bankers, Sureties, and others interested in the construction industry. The group heard from congressional staff who are negotiating to extend expiring tax provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act. Alicia Manders, of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), also addressed the group and discussed upcoming FASB initiatives. After the meeting concluded, several attendees went to Capitol Hill to meet with the staff…
The AGC’s Federal Contractors Conference (FedCon), held from June 9-11 in Washington, D.C., brought together construction industry leaders and federal agency counterparts for conversations on real-time impacts to the industry. This year’s FedCon featured discussions with seven federal agency headquarters, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, General Services Administration, Small Business Administration, Indian Health Service, Department of State Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, and the National Nuclear Security Administration. All attendees receive a copy of presentations from the conference. AGC’s FedCon provides essential information and numerous networking opportunities, equipping attendees with the tools to…
In response to Rapidly Increasing ICE Enforcement Activity In light of increased ICE activity around the country and the rapidly evolving landscape around U.S. immigration policy, AGC of America has released a new online resource center for contractors. Contractors can now explore essential resources and information on topics such as, but not limited to: The resource center is intended to help contractors safeguard their business and stay in compliance with rapidly changing guidelines. We will regularly update the site as developments occur. For more information, contact Jim Young at jim.young@agc.org or Claiborne Guy at claiborne.guy@agc.org
Construction sector employment increased by 4,000 positions in May as rising wages enabled the industry to add workers more rapidly than other sectors, according to an analysis of new government data the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Association officials noted that the industry has been adding jobs each month for over a year, but the increases have slowed amid recent market uncertainty. “Nonresidential construction firms added employees in May for the 13th month in a row,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “However, constant changes in tariffs and other policies that are affecting the cost and demand…
In Mid-America Milling Co. LLC v. U.S. DOT, two non-DBE trucking firms backed by the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty challenged the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program’s race and gender-based presumptions as unconstitutional. On May 28, 2025 the plaintiffs and US DOT jointly asked the court to enter a consent order resolving the case by agreeing that the DBE program is unconstitutional. The order is not yet final and awaiting approval by the Judge overseeing the case. However, if it is entered as written, the consent agreement will place a permanent nationwide injunction that effectively stops the DBE program.…
AGC of America is asking members to urge U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and their representatives in Congress to take decisive steps that protect crews and motorists alike. The alert follows fresh findings from the 2025 AGC–HCSS Highway Work Zone Survey showing that six in ten highway contractors experienced a vehicle crash in one of their work zones during the past year—a sobering reminder that job-site dangers are rising, not receding. Members can reach lawmakers through this link that auto-populates a message but still lets users add personal stories or local data. The campaign urges federal decision-makers to adopt three…