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THE VOICE OF THE MERIT SHOP

ABC is the voice of the merit shop on Capitol Hill! Sending letters to Congress allows ABC to publicly advocate for the views and interests of our more than 23,000 members. By corresponding with U.S. House of Representatives and Senate members, ABC promotes fair and open competition in the construction industry and fights to protect merit shop contractors around the country.

Permitting Reform Tracker

With the House of Representatives advancing several ABC-supported permitting reform bills this week and last, please see bill status and key details below:

H.R.3898 - The PERMIT Act

  • Status: Passed House on Dec. 11, 2025 by a 221-205 vote. 
  • Background: The legislation would amend the Clean Water Act to promote transparent and predictable permitting for all stakeholders. 
  • ABC Position: ABC Key Vote "Yes 

H.R.4776 - The SPEED Act

  • Status: Passed House on Dec. 18, 2025, by a 221-196 vote.
  • Background: The legislation would clarify National Environmental Policy Act procedures and provide contractors with increased certainty that enables them to plan and invest with confidence
  • ABC Position: ABC Key Vote "Yes"

H.R.4503 - The ePermit Act

  • Status: Passed House by Voice Vote on Dec. 9, 2025.
  • Background: The legislation directs the Council on Environmental Quality to issue an annual report on NEPA's impact to Congress
  • ABC Position: Supported

H.R.573 - The Studying NEPA's Impact on Projects Act

  • Status: Passed House by Voice Vote on Dec. 9, 2025.
  • Background: The legislation would modernize the environmental review and authorization process.
  • ABC Position: Supported

H.R.1897 - ESA Amendments Act

  • Status: Passed the House Committee on Natural Resources on Dec. 17, 2025, in a 25-16 vote. Awaiting a floor vote. 
  • Background: The legislation establishes clear statutory definitions, focusing on species recovery and streamlining the ESA permitting process.
  • ABC Position: Supported