Sen. Katie Britt Leads Republican Charge Against PLA Mandate

Senator Katie Britt from Alabama is at the forefront of a new Republican initiative aimed at overturning rules from the Biden administration that require Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) for large federal construction projects.

Britt, along with 20 other Republican senators, has sent a letter to President Trump, urging future administrations to repeal the PLA mandate set by the Federal Takeover Regulation Council last December. This mandate stipulates that federal construction contracts over $35 million must utilize PLAs.

The senator expressed concerns that the rulemaking could undermine the competitiveness of infrastructure bids, raise construction expenses, and potentially cause delays for contracts managed by federal agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the General Services Administration.

In her letter, Britt stated, “American taxpayers, unions, and non-union builders deserve a fair chance at getting the best value for their investment, free from undue responsibilities. We kindly ask that this Biden administration policy be overturned to restore government neutrality in federal and federally aided agreements.”

The lawmakers ended their correspondence by appealing to Trump’s economic principles. “The prosperity of American workers hinges on a free market driven by merit. We place our trust in your leadership to enhance our nation and uphold these crucial values.”

Among those who signed the letter alongside Britt were Senators Jim Banks, John Barrasso, Ted Budd, Kevin Cramer, Lindsey Graham, Chuck Grassley, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Jim Justice, Cynthia Lummis, Mitch McConnell, Rick Scott, Rand Paul, Mike Rounds, Thom Tillis, Tommy Tuberville, Roger Wicker, Todd Young, Tim Scott, John Hoeven, and Bill Cassidy.

The PLA mandate, set to take effect on December 22, 2023, targets federal construction projects exceeding $35 million. Critics like Britt argue that it severely restricts merit-based bidding and disproportionately disadvantages non-union contractors, costing billions each year.

Tim Harrison, chairman of the Alabama chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, commented, “ABC has consistently opposed the burdensome and inflationary PLA regulations imposed by the Biden administration. These rules will harm merit shop contractors, lessen competition, and drive up costs. We’re thankful for Senator Britt’s leadership in advocating for a bidding process that prioritizes merit and efficiency in federal projects.”

Britt has made her opposition to PLAs a key focus within her labor and infrastructure agenda. Earlier this year, she teamed up with Senator Todd Young to reintroduce the Fair and Open Competition Act, aimed at stopping the federal government from mandating PLAs for taxpayer-funded initiatives.

“Project labor contracts are not just expensive; they also limit the ability of qualified contractors to compete, ultimately hurting hardworking taxpayers and small businesses,” Britt stated previously.

Notably, Alabama is among the 24 states that have laws prohibiting government-mandated PLAs.