Feb 3, 2011
First proposed in his $500 billion spending-cut package, amendment offers free-market approach to federal projects
WASHINGTON, D.C. –Senator Rand Paul (Ky.) today offered an amendment to the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill, which would exempt FAA from Davis-Bacon restrictions concerning federal construction projects. This amendment was introduced in conjunction with Sen. Paul’s proposed $500 billion in spending cuts, which he introduced last week. The amendment was voted down 42-55. Sen. Paul made the following statements on the Senate floor this afternoon prior to the vote:
“This amendment would prevent Davis-Bacon restrictions from inflating the cost of federal building projects in our country, to provide for the things that we want. We can build 20 percent to 30 percent more airports if we don’t force union wages that are above the market wages on government projects,” Sen. Paul said today. “I think it’s inexcusable at a time when we run a deficit of between $1.5 trillion and $2 trillion in a year that we want to inflate the cost of government projects. The marketplace should determine the market for wages.”
“Many people in this city say they are for a balanced budget. But how can you be for a balanced budget amendment if you’re not willing to cut spending? Well, this is a very small step, that’s long overdue. It’s a chance for members who say they are for a balanced budget to put their vote where their mouth is. Let’s vote to cut spending starting with this bill,” he concluded.
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