Burlison, Lee Introduce Davis-Bacon Repeal Act to Cut Federal Construction Costs and Save Taxpayer Dollars

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07) and Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) have introduced the Davis-Bacon Repeal Act, legislation to repeal outdated federal prevailing-wage requirements that drive up the cost of taxpayer-funded construction projects.

Enacted in 1931, the Davis-Bacon Act requires federally funded construction projects to pay government-set "prevailing wages," a system that drives up labor costs, limits competition, and favors politically connected interests over taxpayers and small businesses.

"The federal government should not be forcing taxpayers to overpay for roads, bridges, schools, and public buildings because of a nearly century-old mandate," said Rep. Burlison. "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."

"When big government offers to help, it usually creates more problems than it fixes. The Davis-Bacon Act is no exception," said Senator Mike Lee. "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."

The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that repealing Davis-Bacon requirements would save $17.8 billion in federal spending between 2025 and 2034.

By repealing the Davis-Bacon Act, the bill would lower federal construction costs, reduce administrative burdens, expand competition for public projects, and help ensure taxpayer dollars fund more building and less bureaucracy.