On Thursday of this week, Representatives Scott Peters (D-Calif.) and Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) officially founded the Construction Procurement Caucus. The intent of this caucus is to serve as a forum for members of Congress to present ideas on reforms aimed at improving the construction procurement process across this country. Additionally, this new forum has stated its goals are to: “1) simplify the federal construction services procurement process; 2) promote a competitive marketplace for federal construction services contract awards for all size businesses; 3) support greater opportunities for all size businesses in the federal marketplace; and 4) elevate procurement-related legislative opportunities.”

NECA’s Look Ahead: NECA has long been a key advocate in this arena and looks forward to working with the Caucus’ founding members and the others who are likely to join in the days to come. Please find NECA’s statement of support for the caucus here. 

On Wednesday, the IRS issued a new fact sheet for small businesses. This alert outlines the tax credits available to small employers through the American Rescue Plan Act that provide paid leave to employees receiving COVID-19 vaccines. Businesses and tax-exempt organizations with fewer than 500 employees can receive this tax credit. The IRS gave the following example, “if an eligible employer offers employees a paid day off in order to get vaccinated, the employer can receive a tax credit equal to the wages paid to employees for that day (up to certain limits).” More details on the credits available through the ARP can be found on here. 

NECA’s Look Ahead: NECA will continue to monitor all alerts pertaining to businesses that the IRS releases, along with guidance to keep contractors up to date on any relief they are entitled to receive this tax season. 

On Thursday, Senate Republicans released an Infrastructure framework document. The framework outlines just over $568 billion of infrastructure priorities for Senate Republicans. 

Included in the plan:  

• $299 billion for roads and bridges 
• $61 billion for public transit 
• $65 billion for broadband infrastructure 
• $44 billion for airports 
• $35 billion for drinking water and wastewater 
• $20 billion for rail systems 
• $13 billion for safety 
• $17 billion ports and inland waters 
• $14 billion for water storage 

To view the full document, click here. 

NECA’s Look Ahead: NECA Government Affairs will continue to work with both the Biden Administration and members of Congress from both parties to move legislation forward that will help rebuild and modernize our nation’s infrastructure. NECA firmly believes that infrastructure is not an issue either party owns; we as Americans own this issue. We will continue to update membership as a final deal is reached and becomes legislative text.