H.R. 2126 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Mar 14, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryFederal construction contracts can't require labor union agreements
This bill says federal construction projects can't force or block contractors from signing agreements with labor unions. The rule applies whether you're bidding for the job directly or managing it on behalf of the government. Agencies can skip these rules only if there's an urgent threat to public health, safety, or national security.
How it affects you
If you run a construction company bidding on federal projects, this means you won't be required to sign union agreements or be punished for refusing to. The same goes for subcontractors and construction managers working on federally-funded projects. The change affects how federal construction work is awarded, though the summary doesn't detail how costs or job conditions might change.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Mar 14, 2025)
Fair and Open Competition Act of 2025 or the FOCA Act of 2025
This bill requires that federal contracts for construction projects neither require nor prohibit a bidder, offeror, contractor, or subcontractor from entering into agreements with one or more labor organizations with respect to such projects or related projects.
Under the bill, the controlling documents for federal construction contracts (such as bid specifications and project agreements) may not require or prohibit a bidder, offeror, contractor, or subcontractor from entering into or adhering to such labor agreements. Additionally, the controlling documents may not discriminate against or give preference to a bidder, offeror, contractor, or subcontractor who signs or refuses to sign such a labor agreement.
These requirements also apply to any (1) construction manager acting on behalf of the federal government with respect to such contract, (2) recipient of a federal grant or financial assistance for construction projects or construction manager acting on the recipient's behalf, and (3) party to a federal cooperative agreement for construction projects or construction managers acting on the party's behalf.
An agency may exempt a project from this prohibition to avert an imminent threat to public health or safety or to serve the national security.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 2126
A BILL
FOCA Act of 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA-3) · Introduced Mar 14, 2025 · Government Operations and Politics · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Mar 14, 2025: “Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.”