Biden admin rule on 'project labor agreements' draws conservative rebuke

President Joe Biden on Monday announced a finalized labor rule requiring project labor agreements on federal construction projects amounting to at least $35 million, a move which drew sharp backlash from conservative critics due to its "inflationary" nature.

"We must do everything we can to build a better America. Today, my Administration is marking another major step that will benefit American workers, communities, the economy, and our government," Biden announced in a statement. "For the first time in history, Project Labor Agreements will be required on federal construction projects valued at or above $35 million."

"This means that projects funded by my Investing in America agenda will move faster and without delays, giving taxpayers better bang for their buck. Workers will have the security and peace of mind that collectively bargained wages and benefits bring, better pathways to good-paying jobs, and stronger health and safety protections," he continued.

A project labor agreement is an arrangement between contractors and unions negotiated prior to the start of a construction project, according to the Department of Labor. Republicans argued that the rule discriminated against non-union contractors and would adversely impact the already struggling American economy.

"The Biden Administration today moved forward with yet another anti-growth, inflationary policy. This rule discriminates against contractors based on labor affiliation, favors labor unions, raises taxpayer costs, and freezes local workers out of job opportunities. This couldn't come at a worse time for America’s local economies," House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said in a press release.

"The Oversight Committee has raised concerns to the Office of Management and Budget about the legal implications and risks of Project Labor Agreements for the construction workforce and our concerns about this rule remain," he continued. "We are committed to bringing transparency to the dangers of this policy and ensuring all workers get a fair shot at crucial federal projects."

Comer, in February of this year, introduced the Fair and Open Competition Act (FOCA) to bar the government from discriminating against contractors on the basis of labor affiliation.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.