WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, strongly opposed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would have undermined the Davis-Bacon prevailing wage law, which helps provide family-sustaining wages for workers and local economies. The amendment failed by a vote of 242 to 183.

Norcross’ remarks on the Floor follow:

Below is the text of Norcross’ remarks, as prepared for delivery:

“I come here to speak against an amendment that would hurt local economies, devalue worker pay and take an important tool out of the toolbox that both Democrats and Republicans support.

“Almost 100 years ago two Republican Congressmen, James Davis and Robert Bacon, realized there was a problem with federal government contracts. The contracts were unfair to our local economies. So, in 1931, Congress unanimously approved the Davis-Bacon prevailing wage. It ensures construction workers are paid the same as construction workers in that local community.

“The prevailing wage is based on surveys of local wages & benefits – not on whether or not there’s an organized union. It’s not a union wage. It is a way to keep our communities vibrant and maintain fair wages.

“You’ve heard the phrase: ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ That is fitting here. We have a working system. It works for our communities and has been working for over 80 years. They’re talking technicalities, but all they’re doing is punishing their own constituents, while trying to punish yours and mine.

“We should not support this amendment; we must protect our local economies and workers and protect the Davis-Bacon Prevailing Wage. Thank you.”

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Contact: Ally Kehoe, Communications Director
ally.kehoe@mail.house.gov