Legislation House Passes Tax Bill With Industry-Backed R&D Provision Tom Ichniowski February 1, 2024 No Comments A bill that includes $78 billion worth of tax breaks for businesses–including engineering firms and construction contractors–and an expanded child tax credit has cleared an important hurdle with House approval of the package.Read More
Workforce Facing Engineer Shortage, ACEC Seeks Visa Program Changes Tom Ichniowski April 26, 2023 No Comments Engineering group seeks changes in the H-1B visa program, as well as adjustments to some reporting requirements for foreign workers.Read More
Energy Construction Manchin's Energy Permit Reform Measure Fails 47-47 in Senate Vote Pam McFarland December 16, 2022 No Comments Senate Democrat's last-ditch effort for modest reform on 'priority' projects and advancing the Mountain Valley gas pipeline falls flat.Read More
Campaign Spending Political Donations Ramp Up in Tight Midterm Election Season Pam McFarland October 25, 2022 No Comments Companies, unions help push construction-related contributions to more than $105M so far.Read More
2022 Elections Divided Government Likely, Industry Aims for Legislative Consensus Tom Ichniowski October 24, 2022 No Comments A top industry priority: protecting IIJA funding.Read More
Federal Contracting Design Firms Tell Congress of Financial Harm From Credits for PPP Loans Bruce Buckley March 23, 2021 2 Comments Rep. Kweisi Mfume relays how some U.S. agencies treat PPP loans as credits under the Federal Acquisition Regulation.Read More
Federal Funding Construction Groups Oppose Trump's Move to Delay Stimulus Package The President Announces No Funds Until After Election Day, then Backtracks Tom Ichniowski October 7, 2020 2 Comments Construction groups and industry officials say decision to pull out of stimulus negotiations will cause severe harm.Read More
Coronavirus and Construction House Approves Bill to Loosen Paycheck Protection Restrictions Tom Ichniowski May 28, 2020 No Comments Changes include cutting payroll's minimum share of loan proceeds to 60%, from 75% now.Read More
Coronavirus and Construction Update: New Directive Eases Path for Smaller Paycheck Protection Loans Treasury-SBA Guideline Applies to PPP Loans Under $2 Million Tom Ichniowski May 13, 2020 No Comments But industry groups say more guidance is needed for forgiveness and loans of $2 million or more.Read More
Coronavirus and Construction Update: After Senate Setback, Fate Of COVID Loan Program Unclear Tom Ichniowski April 9, 2020 No Comments Schumer says a deal might be reached but McConnell, McCarthy continue to back PPP-only infusion.Read More