This week, the House of Representatives and Senate easily passed a short-term spending bill averting a potential government shutdown just weeks before the November elections. The bipartisan agreement on a short-term fix will fund the government and create a new deadline of December 20, 2024. The agreement ultimately does not include a provision demanded by former President Trump, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote in a federal election.
Three new bid protests were recently filed by Â鶹´«Ã½ members that incorporate Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s legal theory challenging the government’s new PLA mandate. While bid protests challenge specific project awards at the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, the legal theory developed for Â鶹´«Ã½ by outside counsel at Fox Rothschild aims to strike down the government’s PLA mandate across the board. The Â鶹´«Ã½-legal theory challenges the lawfulness of the government’s new PLA mandate as an unlawful socio-economic set aside that Congress never authorized. Consequently, this violates the Competition in Contracting Act (CICA).
On September 19, the Department of Labor (DOL) awarded approximately $12.7 million in grants to 102 non-profit organizations across the nation. Administered by the department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), funds from the Susan Harwood Training Grant Program will support the delivery of training and education that helps workers and employers recognize, avoid, and prevent workplace hazards, as well as understand workers' rights and employers' responsibilities under federal law.
Limited Space Available for Post-Conference Events
On August 22, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) officially filed a notice of its intent to appeal the nationwide preliminary injunction blocking Â鶹´«Ã½-challenged provisions of the DOL’s regulatory expansion of Davis Bacon coverage. Pending any further action in court, the nationwide injunction remains in place.
On September 23, 2024, Â鶹´«Ã½ of America filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit arguing against the adoption of a lower pleading standard for lawsuits claiming breach of fiduciary duty by trustees of employee benefit plans. The Signatory Wall and Ceiling Contractors Alliance (SWACCA) joined Â鶹´«Ã½ on the brief.
This free webinar on September 26, 2pm - 3pm Eastern, is aimed at guiding leaders through the critical processes and team communication following a suicide. This session will provide valuable strategies for supporting your team during challenging times, facilitating healing, and fostering a resilient work environment. Gain insights into managing communications with sensitivity that helps your team navigate grief and continue to thrive. Learn more and register here.
Join Â鶹´«Ã½'s Surety Bonding and Construction Risk Management Conference this coming January 27-29 for an unparalleled opportunity to strengthen your team’s risk management strategies.
Don’t miss part 2 of the Construction Financials Webinar Series on September 26th.