Congressman Eric Burlison and Senator Mike Lee introduced the Davis-Bacon Repeal Act on May 1, aiming to eliminate federal prevailing-wage requirements that they say increase the cost of taxpayer-funded construction projects.
The lawmakers argue that removing these requirements will lower federal construction costs, reduce administrative burdens, expand competition for public projects, and help ensure taxpayer dollars are used more efficiently. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that repealing Davis-Bacon would save $17.8 billion in federal spending between 2025 and 2034.
Burlison said, “The federal government should not be forcing taxpayers to overpay for roads, bridges, schools, and public buildings because of a nearly century-old mandate. The Davis-Bacon Act inflates costs, limits competition, and makes it harder for small and local contractors to compete. Our bill would help stretch taxpayer dollars further and bring more fairness to the bidding process.”
Lee added: “When big government offers to help, it usually creates more problems than it fixes. The Davis-Bacon Act is no exception. It is an antiquated piece of legislation that hurts middle class workers and every American taxpayer. Repealing this single bill would save tens of billions of tax dollars. It is high-time that Congress passes the Davis-Bacon Repeal Act.”
Eric Burlison has represented Missouri’s 7th district in the U.S. Congress since replacing Billy Long in 2023 according to Wikipedia. He previously served in both chambers of Missouri’s state legislature from 2009 through early 2023 as reported by Ballotpedia. Burlison was born in Springfield in 1976 and currently lives in Ozark according to VoteSmart. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University in 2000 before graduating again from the same institution two years later according to VoteSmart.
Supporters of the repeal say this move could impact how future federally funded construction projects are bid on nationwide.
