Repeals federal construction prevailing wage law.
Sen. Lee (R-UT) and 8 Republican senators.
Introduced in Senate, referred to committee.
This bill would eliminate the federal law requiring specific wage rates for workers on federal construction projects. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced it, alongside several other Republican senators. It was sent to the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee for review.
Introduced Apr 30, 2026
The bill was introduced in the Senate on April 30, 2026, and immediately referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. It must pass this committee, then the full Senate, and then the House of Representatives before it can be signed into law by the President.
If this bill passes, workers on future federal construction projects would no longer be guaranteed a prevailing wage determined by the government; their wages would instead be subject to market rates. This could potentially lower labor costs for contractors, which might reduce the overall cost of federal projects for taxpayers. However, any ongoing contracts or bids outstanding within 30 days of the bill becoming law would continue under the old wage requirements.
Supporters Say
Supporters of repealing prevailing wage laws like Davis-Bacon often argue it reduces government project costs.
Critics Say
Critics often contend that repealing such laws could lead to lower wages and less skilled labor on federal projects.
Advocates for repealing the Davis-Bacon Act typically point to potential savings for taxpayers by allowing contractors to pay market-based wages instead of federally mandated rates. Conversely, opponents frequently express concerns that such a repeal could drive down wages for construction workers, potentially affecting their living standards and the overall quality of federal infrastructure projects.