In the early morning hours of Feb. 19, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on an amendment offered to the House Continuing Budget Resolution that would have prevented government-mandated project labor agreements from being attached to federal construction projects in 2011. The amendment, which was sponsored by Rep. Frank Guinta (R-N.H.), failed because of a 210-210 tie vote.
A single change in vote from one of the 26 Republicans or 184 Democrats who voted against the bill could have made the difference.
More than anything, this vote demonstrates the critical need for continued grassroots and “grasstops” participation by those who support free enterprise. Grassroots involves the deployment of constituent-based political power to impact legislation. Grasstops, on the other hand, is the cultivation and utilization of individuals who have established personal relationships with legislators and can directly influence them on an issue. Both approaches are necessary for a successful political advocacy program.
Contractors play a vital role in making the voice of the construction and business communities heard, as well as serving as a source of information for legislators. Members of Congress depend on groups like Associated Builders and Contractors (
ABC) and its members to tell them how proposed legislation or regulations will affect the construction industry, their companies and their employees.
Developing a personal relationship with a legislator can certainly seem like a daunting task. Keep in mind: It is not necessary for a contractor to be a member of the same political party as a legislator, nor do they need to agree on every issue. If a representative or senator learns to trust and respect a contractor’s views, the contractor will become a valuable resource on all construction and business-related issues. Remember, members of Congress work for and are paid to represent the public, not vice versa.
To develop a relationship:
- Pick up the phone. Calling is a suitable option when time is of the essence and it’s important to convey an opinion immediately. Constituents can call the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 or the district office and ask for their member of Congress. If the representative is unavailable, ask to speak with the aide who handles labor issues.
- Arrange a meeting. Often, initial visits occur with the legislator’s staff, who are the gatekeepers to any congressional office. They determine what information reaches the legislator’s desk and who receives a meeting with their member of Congress. If granted a meeting, arrive prepared to discuss an agenda and be attentive to the legislator’s views, as well as considerate of his or her time. Contractors should introduce themselves as constituents, leaders in the business community and members of ABC. They also should let the member of Congress know they would like to stay in touch regarding issues affecting the construction industry.
- Plan a jobsite or office tour. Contractors can invite a legislator to see the industry at work and to meet their employees—the people who could vote for him or her. This is a great way to show legislators how their actions impact a business and its employees.
- Support a campaign. In addition to voting for candidates that support free enterprise, consider helping with their campaigns. Candidates appreciate the people who fundraise, go door to door, put up signs and help them get elected.
Earlier this year, 2011 ABC National Chairman Mike Uremovich launched the “Adopt a Congressman” initiative, which encourages ABC members to utilize existing relationships, or develop new relationships, with their members of Congress. The success of this program depends on ABC members’ participation to advance the association’s pro-business legislative agenda on Capitol Hill.
The numbers speak for themselves: With more than 23,000 member companies employing almost two million people, ABC’s message should be heard loud and clear in Washington, D.C.