On Tuesday, President Biden met with leaders of organized labor to discuss his plans for infrastructure and expanding registered apprenticeships. The Biden administration has pledged to do the following: 

• Expand registered apprenticeship programs through the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 
• Reinstate the National Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships  
• Reverse the harmful unregulated Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Program (IRAP) in full 

NECA’s Look Ahead: NECA is pleased to hear the Administration’s stance on furthering the union construction industry. We look forward to joining these efforts in expanding registered apprenticeships and working with the current administration to create positive change in our industry.

This past week both the House of Representees and the Senate were out of session. Members of Congress were working from their district and state offices. The House committees continued their work on drafting final language for the Budget Reconciliation this week.  

NECA’s Look Ahead: Leadership has indicated that they wish to have the budget reconciliation on the House floor next week, and finalized by both chambers no later than March 14. We will continue to monitor this process when both chambers are back in session next week. 

NECA, as a member of the Transportation Construction Coalition, sent a letter to Congressional leadership urging the swift passage of an infrastructure bill including a surface transportation reauthorization, which expires at the end of the fiscal year.  

NECA’s Look Ahead: Once the Budget Reconciliation is completed, NECA will continue to urge Congress to move quickly on an infrastructure bill.