LARRY LECLAIR

Advocated for advancement of H.R. 1285, the Water Infrastructure Subcontractor and Taxpayer Protection Act of 2025, which amends the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 (WIFIA), to establish payment and performance security requirements for water infrastructure projects funded in whole or in part through WIFIA. Similarly, advocated for the introduction of S. 570, the Senate counterpart to H.R. 1285.

Generally, advocated for introduction of legislation to establish the use of surety bonds as acceptable security on federally-funded broadband infrastructure programs administered by the Department of Agriculture, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Department of Commerce.

Generally, educated congressional offices on the purposes and benefits of surety bonds for federal procurement in construction and other contexts.

Advocated for introduction and support of H.R. 4615, the Small Business Payment for Performance Act of 2025, to require prompt payment of small construction contractors facing unilateral change orders on federal construction contracts.

Advocated for and supported introduction of H.R. 1285, the Water Infrastructure Subcontractor and Taxpayer Protection Act of 2025, which amends the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 (WIFIA), to establish payment and performance security requirements for water infrastructure projects funded in whole or in part through WIFIA. Similarly, advocated for the introduction of S. 570, the Senate counterpart to H.R. 1285.

Generally, advocated for introduction of legislation to establish the use of surety bonds as acceptable security on federally-funded broadband infrastructure programs administered by the Department of Agriculture, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Department of Commerce.

Advocated for and supported introduction of H.R. 1285, the Water Infrastructure Subcontractor and Taxpayer Protection Act of 2025, which amends the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 (WIFIA), to establish payment and performance security requirements for water infrastructure projects funded in whole or in part through WIFIA. Similarly, advocated for the introduction of S. 570, the Senate counterpart to H.R. 1285.

Generally, advocated for introduction of legislation to establish the use of surety bonds as acceptable security on federally-funded broadband infrastructure programs administered by the Department of Agriculture, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Department of Commerce.

Advocated for the Federal Communications Commission to consider performance bonds as acceptable security for its broadband auctions in addition to or in lieu of letters of credit.

Advocate for support of and funding for the Surety Bond Guarantee Program of the Small Business Administration. Advocate for resources for small construction businesses and awareness of the importance of surety bonding requirements to safeguard federal construction contracts.

Advocated for the Federal Communications Commission to consider performance bonds as acceptable security for its broadband auctions in addition to or in lieu of letters of credit.

Advocate for support of and funding for the Surety Bond Guarantee Program of the Small Business Administration. Advocate for resources for small construction businesses and awareness of the importance of surety bonding requirements to safeguard federal construction contracts.

Generally advocated for inclusion of surety bond protections on federal procurement programs involving construction or infrastructure.

Advocated for use of surety bonds as alternative security to letters of credit securing BEAD grant awards to grantees/subgrantees for broadband infrastructure work. Advocated for support and advancement of HR 1740 and S.2928 to secure WIFIA loans and grants for water infrastructure projects with performance and payment protections.

Generally advocate for appropriations support and funding for federal infrastructure programs, including broadband.

Advocated for introduction of legislation concerning the broadband and eConnectivity loan and grant programs of the Rural Utility Service of the Department of Agriculture to have clear statutory performance and payment security requirements as conditions of loans and grants for the construction portions of rural broadband infrastructure projects.

Advocated for use of surety bonds as alternative security to letters of credit securing BEAD grant awards to grantees/subgrantees for broadband infrastructure work. Advocated for support and advancement of HR 1740 and S.2928 to secure WIFIA loans and grants for water infrastructure projects with performance and payment protections.

Generally advocated for inclusion of surety bond protections on federal procurement programs involving construction or infrastructure.

Advocated for introduction of legislation concerning the broadband and eConnectivity loan and grant programs of the Rural Utility Service of the Department of Agriculture to have clear statutory performance and payment security requirements as conditions of loans and grants for the construction portions of rural broadband infrastructure projects.

Advocated for use of surety bonds as alternative security to letters of credit securing BEAD grant awards to grantees/subgrantees for broadband infrastructure work.

Generally advocate for appropriations support and funding for federal infrastructure programs, including broadband.

Generally advocated for inclusion of surety bond protections on federal procurement programs involving construction.

Advocated for introduction of legislation concerning the broadband and eConnectivity loan and grant programs of the Rural Utility Service of the Department of Agriculture to have clear statutory performance and payment security requirements as conditions of loans and grants for the construction portions of rural broadband infrastructure projects.

Generally advocate for appropriations support and funding for federal infrastructure programs.

Generally advocate for support of and funding for the Surety Bond Guarantee Program of the Small Business Administration. Informed congressional offices of free surety industry online, educational course and mentoring program to educate small construction business owners and principals about ways in which to qualify for surety bonding. Advocate for support of HR 2726, Small Business Payment for Performance Act of 2023, which requires federal contracting agencies to make interim partial payments to their small construction prime contractors for unilateral changes in contracts.

Generally advocate for appropriations support and funding for federal infrastructure programs.

Generally advocate for support of and funding for the Surety Bond Guarantee Program of the Small Business Administration. Informed congressional offices of free surety industry online, educational course and mentoring program to educate small construction business owners and principals about ways in which to qualify for surety bonding.

Advocated for introduction of legislation concerning the broadband and eConnectivity loan and grant programs of the Rural Utility Service of the Department of Agriculture to have clear performance and payment security requirements as conditions of loans and grants for the construction portions of rural broadband infrastructure projects.

Generally advocated for inclusion of performance and payment bond requirements as a security option in funding provided by the Rural Utility Service of the Dept. of Agriculture. Advocated for introduction of legislation and amendment of legislation to provide performance and payment bonds as a security for broadband infrastructure work financed in whole or in part by federal funds.

Advocating for introduction of legislation to amend the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) to ensure that appropriate performance and payment security, such as surety bonds, is required to secure the federal interest when federal loans and grants are provided through WIFIA. Supported introduction of HR 9665 - To amend the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 to establish payment and performance security requirements for projects, and for other purposes.

Generally advocate for funding of infrastructure packages which would include performance and payment bond requirements, especially when federal funding vehicles, such as WIFIA, are being utilized.

Generally advocated for inclusion of performance and payment bond requirements as a security option in funding provided by the Rural Utility Service of the Dept. of Agriculture. Advocated for introduction of legislation and amendment of legislation to provide performance and payment bonds as a security for broadband infrastructure work financed in whole or in part by federal funds.

Generally advocate for and raise awareness of the use of surety bonds to protect federal funds when the federal government contracts for construction and other, related services.

Generally advocated for inclusion of performance and payment bond requirements as a security option in funding provided by the Rural Utility Service of the Dept. of Agriculture. Advocated for introduction of legislation and amendment of legislation to provide performance and payment bonds as a security for broadband infrastructure work financed in whole or in part by federal funds.

Advocating for introduction of legislation to amend the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) to ensure that appropriate performance and payment security, such as surety bonds, is required to secure the federal interest when federal loans and grants are provided through WIFIA.

Generally advocate for and raise awareness of the use of surety bonds to protect federal funds when the federal government contracts for construction and other, related services.

Generally advocated for inclusion of performance and payment bond requirements as a security option in funding provided by the Rural Utility Service of the Dept. of Agriculture. Advocated for introduction of legislation and amendment of legislation to provide performance and payment bonds as a security for broadband infrastructure work financed in whole or in part by federal funds.

Generally advocate for funding of infrastructure packages which would include performance and payment bond requirements, especially when federal funding vehicles, such as TIFIA and WIFIA, are being utilized.

Generally advocate for and raise awareness of the use of surety bonds to protect federal funds when the federal government contracts for construction and other, related services. Advocated for introduction of legislation to decouple the Miller Act from periodic indexing for inflation as a procurement threshold. Advocated for advancement of H.R. 2949 to remove the Miller Act from indexing. Advocated for inclusion of H.R. 2949 in National Defense Authorization Act, which occurred. Advocated for passage of National Defense Authorization Act, which was subsequently enacted.

Advocated for advancement of S.638 and H.R.1641, Promoting Infrastructure by Protecting our Subcontractors and Taxpayers Act, which amend the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) to ensure that appropriate performance and payment security, such as surety bonds, is required when federal loans and grants are provided through TIFIA. Advocated for inclusion of H.R. 1641 as an amendment to H.R. 3684, Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America Act.

Generally advocated for inclusion of performance and payment bond requirements as a security option for bidders involved FCC broadband auctions and in funding provided by the Rural Utility Service of the Dept. of Agriculture. Advocated for introduction of legislation and amendment of legislation, specifically H.R.8650, to provide performance and payment bonds as a security for broadband infrastructure work financed in whole or in part by federal funds.

Generally advocate for funding of infrastructure packages which would include performance and payment bond requirements, especially when federal funding vehicles, such as TIFIA and WIFIA, are being utilized.

Generally advocated for inclusion of performance and payment bond requirements as a security option for bidders involved FCC broadband auctions and in funding provided by the Rural Utility Service of the Dept. of Agriculture. Advocated for introduction of legislation and amendment of legislation, specifically H.R.8650, to provide performance and payment bonds as a security for broadband infrastructure work financed in whole or in part by federal funds.

Generally advocate for funding of infrastructure packages which would include performance and payment bond requirements, especially when federal funding vehicles, such as TIFIA and WIFIA, are being utilized.

Generally advocate for and raise awareness of the use of surety bonds to protect federal funds when the federal government contracts for construction and other, related services. Advocate for introduction of legislation to decouple the Miller Act from periodic indexing for inflation as a procurement threshold.

Generally advocated for inclusion of performance and payment bond requirements as a security option for bidders involved FCC broadband auctions and in funding provided by the Rural Utility Service of the Dept. of Agriculture. Advocated for introduction of legislation and amendment of legislation, specifically H.R.8650, to provide performance and payment bonds as a security for broadband infrastructure work financed in whole or in part by federal funds.

Advocated for inclusion of surety bond requirements for any legislation relating to federally-supported infrastructure, especially relating to financing vehicles contained in the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act through the FAST Act.

Supported advancement of H.R. 224, to amend section 1908 of title 41, US Code, which would exempt the Miller Act, which requires surety bonds on federal construction contracts, from periodic indexing for inflation.

Generally educated members on the need for inclusion of surety bond protections in appropriation legislation relating to federal support of public-private partnerships to undertake infrastructure.

Supported advancement of H.R. 224, to amend section 1908 of title 41, US Code, which would exempt the Miller Act, which requires surety bonds on federal construction contracts, from periodic indexing for inflation.

Generally educated members on the need for inclusion of surety bond protections in appropriation legislation relating to federal support of public-private partnerships to undertake infrastructure.

Advocated for consideration of legislation to permit surety bonds as an acceptable security for entities receiving awards from Federal Communications Commission to perform rural broadband services. Advocated for more accurate mapping in Broadband DATA Act and for inclusion of bonding in any legislation which addressed broadband services.

Advocated for consideration of legislation to permit surety bonds as an acceptable security for entities receiving awards from Federal Communications Commission to perform rural broadband services.

Advocated for inclusion of surety bond requirements for any legislation relating to federally-supported infrastructure, especially relating to financing vehicles contained in the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act through the FAST Act.

Generally educated members on the need for inclusion of surety bond protections in appropriation legislation relating to federal support of public-private partnerships to undertake infrastructure. Supported inclusion of Amendment 142 to H.R. 2: Promoting Infrastructure by Protecting Our Subcontractors and Taxpayers.

Advocated for consideration of legislation to permit surety bonds as an acceptable security for entities receiving awards from Federal Communications Commission to perform rural broadband services.

Generally educated members on the need for inclusion of surety bond protections in appropriation legislation relating to federal support of public-private partnerships to undertake infrastructure.

Advocated for inclusion of surety bond requirements for any legislation relating to federally-supported infrastructure, especially relating to financing vehicles contained in the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act through the FAST Act.

Generally educated members on the need for inclusion of surety bond protections in appropriation legislation relating to federal support of public-private partnerships to undertake infrastructure.

Supported advancement of H.R. 224, to amend section 1908 of title 41, US Code, which would exempt the Miller Act, which requires surety bonds on federal construction contracts, from periodic indexing for inflation. Advocated for inclusion of the bill language in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. Advocated for retention of language in conference report.

Supported advancement of H.R. 224, to amend section 1908 of title 41, US Code, which would exempt the Miller Act, which requires surety bonds on federal construction contracts, from periodic indexing for inflation. Advocated for inclusion of the bill language in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. Advocated for retention of language in conference report.

Advocated for inclusion of surety bond requirements for any legislation relating to federally-supported infrastructure, especially relating to financing vehicles contained in the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act through the FAST Act.

Supported advancement of H.R. 224, to amend section 1908 of title 41, US Code, which would exempt the Miller Act, which requires surety bonds on federal construction contracts, from periodic indexing for inflation. Advocated for inclusion of the bill language in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020.

Advocated for inclusion of surety bond requirements for any legislation relating to federally-supported infrastructure, especially relating to financing vehicles contained in the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act through the FAST Act.

Generally educated members on the need for inclusion of surety bond protections in appropriation legislation relating to federal support of public-private partnerships to undertake infrastructure.

Advocated for inclusion of surety bond requirements for any legislation relating to federally-supported infrastructure, especially relating to financing vehicles contained in the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act and in the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act.

Supported introduction of H.R. 224, to amend section 1908 of title 41, US Code, which would exempt the Miller Act, which requires surety bonds on federal construction contracts, from periodic indexing for inflation. Seeking co-sponsorship support of H.R. 224.

Advocated generally for the importance of including mandatory surety bonding requirements in relation to federal funding for infrastructure and transportation projects, especially, those relating to water, aviation and transportation construction contracts, including construction contracts undertaken in part with federal loans or grants and through public-private partnerships.Sought inclusion of bond requirements in FAA and WIFIA reauthorization with respect to public-private partnerships.

Supported legislation to defund the Federal Election Commission enforcement of its "prior approval" requirement for corporate member trade associations political action committees.

Advocated generally for the importance of including mandatory surety bonding requirements in relation to federal funding for infrastructure and transportation projects, especially, those relating to water, aviation and transportation construction contracts, including construction contracts undertaken in part with federal loans or grants and through public-private partnerships.Sought inclusion of bond requirements in FAA and WIFIA reauthorization with respect to public-private partnerships.

Supported legislation to defund the Federal Election Commission enforcement of its "prior approval" requirement for corporate member trade associations political action committees.

Advocated generally for the importance of including mandatory surety bonding requirements in relation to federal funding for infrastructure and transportation projects, especially, those relating to water, aviation and transportation construction contracts, including construction contracts undertaken in part with federal loans or grants and through public-private partnerships.Sought inclusion of bond requirements in FAA and WIFIA reauthorization with respect to public-private partnerships.

Supported an amendment to the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act, to exempt the Miller Act, 40 USC Section 3131 et seq., a remedial statute affording payment protections to subcontractors and others working on federal construction contracts, from periodic indexing for inflation. Educated Congressional offices on the importance of keeping the accepted amendment in NDAA.

Supported an amendment to the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act, to exempt the Miller Act, 40 USC Section 3131 et seq., a remedial statute affording payment protections to subcontractors and others working on federal construction contracts, from periodic indexing for inflation.

Advocated generally for the importance of including mandatory surety bonding requirements in relation to federal funding for infrastructure and transportation projects, especially, those relating to water, aviation and transportation construction contracts, including construction contracts undertaken in part with federal loans or grants and through public-private partnerships.

Advocated for the importance of including mandatory surety bonding requirements in relation to federal funding for infrastructure and transportation projects. Discussed that existing federal regulations include bonding requirements for construction projects funded through Federal Aviation Authority grants to protect the federal interest. Advocated that similar requirements be put in place for water and transportation projects undertaken in part with federal loans or grants.

Supported legislation for the defunding of the Federal Election Commission enforcement of its "prior approval" requirement for corporate member trade associations political action committees.

Advocated for introduction of legislation, including an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, to exempt the Miller Act, 40 USC Section 3131 et seq., a remedial statute affording payment protections to subcontractors and others working on federal construction contracts, from periodic indexing for inflation. Also advocated for requirements to be put in place to have contracting authorities notify prospective subcontractors of waivers of Miller Act (40 U.S.C. Sections 3131 et. seq.) bond requirements.

Advocated for introduction of legislation for the defunding of the Federal Election Commission enforcement of its "prior approval" requirement for corporate member trade associations political action committees.

Advocated for the importance of including mandatory surety bonding requirements in relation to federal funding for infrastructure and transportation projects. Discussed that existing federal regulations include bonding requirements for construction projects funded through Federal Aviation Authority grants to protect the federal interest. Advocated that similar requirements be put in place for water and transportation projects undertaken in part with federal loans or grants.

Advocated for introduction of legislation, including an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, to exempt the Miller Act, 40 USC Section 3131 et seq., a remedial statute affording payment protections to subcontractors and others working on federal construction contracts, from periodic indexing for inflation. Also advocated for requirements to be put in place to have contracting authorities notify prospective subcontractors of waivers of Miller Act (40 U.S.C. Sections 3131 et. seq.) bond requirements.

Advocated for introduction of legislation for the defunding of the Federal Election Commission enforcement of its "prior approval" requirement for corporate member trade associations political action committees.

Advocated for introduction of legislation, including an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, to exempt the Miller Act, 40 USC Section 3131 et seq., a remedial statute affording payment protections to subcontractors and others working on federal construction contracts, from periodic indexing for inflation.

Advocated for the importance of including mandatory surety bonding requirements in relation to federal funding for infrastructure and transportation projects. Discussed that existing federal regulations include bonding requirements for construction projects funded through Federal Aviation Authority grants to protect the federal interest. Advocated that similar requirements be put in place for water and transportation projects undertaken in part with federal loans or grants.

Advocated for introduction of legislation to exempt the Miller Act, 40 USC Section 3131 et seq., a remedial statute affording payment protections to subcontractors and others working on federal construction contracts, from periodic indexing for inflation.

Advocated for inclusion of mandatory bond requirements in public-private partnership arrangements utilizing federal funds or financing for transportation and public infrastructure contracts. Discussed importance of mandatory bonding requirements for projects involving Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Authority (WIFIA) credit facility and for projects implicated in the reauthorization of H.R. 3080 (113th Congress), Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014, Public Law 113-121 (focusing on Title V, all sections related to bonding and security).

Generally discussed the critical importance of mandatory surety bonding requirements, such as those of the Miller Act, 40 USCA Section 3131 et seq., to protect federal taxpayer funds and to provide payment remedies for firms supplying labor and materials on direct federal construction contracts and on construction contracts in part financed with federal funds.

Advocated for inclusion of mandatory bond requirements in public-private partnership arrangements utilizing federal funds or financing for transportation and public infrastructure contracts. Discussed importance of mandatory bonding requirements for projects involving Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Authority (WIFIA) credit facility and for projects implicated in the reauthorization of H.R. 3080 (113th Congress), Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014, Public Law 113-121 (focusing on Title V, all sections related to bonding and security).

Generally discussed the critical importance of mandatory surety bonding requirements, such as those of the Miller Act, 40 USCA Section 3131 et seq., to protect federal taxpayer funds and to provide payment remedies for firms supplying labor and materials on direct federal construction contracts and on construction contracts in part financed with federal funds.

Generally discussed the critical importance of mandatory surety bonding requirements, such as those of the Miller Act, 40 USCA Section 3131 et seq., to protect federal taxpayer funds and to provide payment remedies for firms supplying labor and materials on federal construction contracts.

Advocated in support of an amendment to be made to H.R. 5485, the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2017, for the purpose of defunding the Federal Election Commission enforcement of its "prior approval" requirement for corporate member trade associations political action committees.

Advocated for inclusion of mandatory bond requirements in public-private partnership arrangements utilizing federal funds or financing for transportation and public infrastructure contracts. Discussed importance of mandatory bonding requirements for projects involving Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Authority (WIFIA) credit facility and for projects implicated in the reauthorization of H.R. 3080 (113th Congress), Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014, Public Law 113-121 (focusing on Title V, all sections related to bonding and security).

Generally discussed the critical importance of mandatory surety bonding requirements, such as those of the Miller Act, 40 USCA Section 3131 et seq., to protect federal taxpayer funds and to provide payment remedies for firms supplying labor and materials on federal construction contracts.

Generally discussed the critical importance of mandatory surety bonding requirements, such as those of the Miller Act, 40 USCA Section 3131 et seq., to protect federal taxpayer funds and to provide payment remedies for firms supplying labor and materials on federal construction contracts.

Advocated for inclusion of mandatory bond requirements in public-private partnership arrangements utilizing federal funds or financing for transportation and public infrastructure contracts. Discussed importance of mandatory bonding requirements for projects involving Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Authority (WIFIA) credit facility and for projects implicated in the reauthorization of H.R. 3080 (113th Congress), Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014, Public Law 113-121.

Advocated for inclusion of mandatory bond requirements in public-private partnership arrangements utilizing federal funds or financing for transportation and public infrastructure contracts.

Advocated support for H.R. 838, the Security in Bonding Act, which addresses the nature of assets that can be pledged by individuals acting as sureties on federal contracts and the maximum guarantee provided to participating sureties in the Preferred Program of the US Small Business Administration Surety Bond Guarantee Program. Advocated support for S.1526, which includes elements of H.R. 838 together with a prohibition on the use of reverse auctions for construction services and reforms the design-build procurement process for design and construction to a two-phase process. Advocated for advancement and passage of H.R. 1735, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (NDAA), which includes the individual surety and SBA Bond Guarantee provisions contained in H.R. 838 and S. 1526.

Indicated support for Section 1021 (Interstate System Reconstruction and Rehabilitation pilot program) of the DRIVE Act, which permits use of tolling as a means to fund transportation and highway projects.

Advocated support for H.R. 838, the Security in Bonding Act, which addresses the nature of assets that can be pledged by individuals acting as sureties on federal contracts and the maximum guarantee provided to participating sureties in the Preferred Program of the US Small Business Administration Surety Bond Guarantee Program. Advocated support for S.1526, which includes elements of H.R. 838 together with a prohibition on the use of reverse auctions for construction services and reforms the design-build procurement process for design and construction to a two-phase process.

Advocated for introduction of Senate legislation which would remove Miller Act bonding thresholds from being periodically indexed for inflation as procurement thresholds.

Advocated support for H.R. 838, the Security in Bonding Act, which addresses the nature of assets that can be pledged by individuals acting as sureties on federal contracts and the maximum guarantee provided to participating sureties in the Preferred Program of the US Small Business Administration Surety Bond Guarantee Program. Also advocated procurement reforms, such as limitations on the use of reverse auctions and use of two-phase design-build project procurement, that would benefit small business access to the federal construction contracting environment.

Advocated for inclusion of H.R. 776 provisions in HB 4435 and in Senate version of National Defense Authorization Act, addressing assets of individual sureties and guarantee percentage increase in U.S. Small Business Administration Surety Bond Guarantee Program.

Advocated procurement reform legislation to better the federal procurement climate for small construction businesses, including on use of two phase design-build and on limitations on use of reverse auctions to procure construction. Such legislation was included in HB 4435. Advocated for similar inclusion in Senate version of National Defense Authorization Act.

Advocated for passage of H.R. 776, the Security in Bonding Act, and for the introduction of a legislative counterpart in the Senate. Educated Congressional offices about the inclusion of provision of H.R. 776 in the House Defense Authorization Act.

Advocated for introduction of the "Construction Consensus Procurement Improvement Act of 2014," which addresses reverse auctioning of construction services, bonding on public-private partnerships, and other matters that impact small construction businesses.

Advocated for support of H.R. 776, the Security in Bonding Act, including provisions that change the way assets of individual sureties are treated by contracting authorities. Advocated for the inclusion of surety bond requirements in federal policies, positions or legislation regarding use of public-private partnerships for transportation and infrastructure construction projects.

Advocated for support of H.R. 776, the Security in Bonding Act, including provisions that would increase the guarantee given to sureties participating in the U.S. Small Business Administration Surety Bond Guarantee Program. Advocated for support of The Design Build Efficiency and Jobs Act of 2013 and the Commonsense Construction Contracting Act of 2013 to benefit small construction businesses.

Advocated for the support and advancement of H.R. 776, the Security in Bonding Act of 2013. Advocated for inclusion of surety bonding requirements in public-private partnership projects involving federal support and funding.

Advocated for inclusion of an amendment to H.R. 3080 to require the use of performance and payment bonds in a pilot program on public-private partnership arrangements for federal infrastructure.

Advocated for H.R. 776, the Security in Bonding Act of 2013, which includes two components, one of which would increase of the guarantee prcentage given to sureties participating in the Preferred program of the US Small Business Adminstration' Bond Guarantee Program and the second of which would revise the assets available to pledge by individuals wishing to serve as sureties on federal contracts.

Supported H.R. 2751 to address the use of electronic reverse auctions for construction services.

Advocated for introduction of legislation to amend Title 41 of the US Code so that the federal Miller Act is exempt from periodic threshold increases indexed to the rate of inflation. Advocated for passage of H.R. 776, which (1) would increase the percentage guarantee given sureties participating in the Preferred Program of the US SBA Surety Bond Guarantee Program and (2) would amend Title 31 to address the specific types of assets that could be pledged by individual sureties on federal contracts.

Advocated for the introduction of an amendment to the Anti-Assignment Act, so that a financing surety would be accorded the same status under the Act as a financial institution for purposes of assignment of contract rights.

Advocated for (including providing hearing testimony in support of) H.R. 776, the Security in Bonding Act of 2013, which would (1) amend title 31 of the United States Code to revise requirements related to assets pledged by a surety and (2) increase the guarantee given to a surety participating the US SBA Bond Guarantee Program. Also supported various contracting reform initiaitives, such as limitations on the use of reverse auctions, being considered by the Small Business Committee of the US House of Representatives.

Advocated for legislation that would curb improper contract bundling.

Advocated for introduction of H.R. 776, the Security in Bonding Act. Advocated for exempting the Miller Act from periodic adjustments for inflation as a procurement threshold.

Advocated for statutory enhancements included in the National Defense Authorization Act relating to the contract size guarantee limit of the US SBA Bond Guarantee Program.

Advocated for passage of HR 3534, the Security in Bonding Act of 2012.

Advocated for passage of HR 3534, the Security in Bonding Act of 2012, in the Senate. Addressed the importance of exempting the threshold in the Miller Act, a remedial statute, from periodic adjustments for inflation and the need to introduce legislation for that purpose.

Advocated for inclusion of contracting reform measures, addressing improper contract bundling, mentor-protege programs, US SBA bond guarantee program, in House Defense Authorization bill, its passage, and inclusion of such provisions in the Senate Defense Authorization bill.

Advocated for passage of H.R. 3534, the Security in Bonding Act of 2012; advocated for increasing the contract cap of the US SBA Bond Guarantee Program under the Small Business Investment Act

Supported contracting reform package included in House Armed Services Committee's National Defense Authorization Act, which includes language to address improper contract bundling and federal agency mentor-protege programs

Advocated for reforms to the U.S. Small Business Administration Surety Bond Guarantee Program, including raising the contract cap; advocated for inclusion of new construction in the purview of the statutory definition of contract bundling.

Advocated for support of H.R. 3534, the Security in Bonding Act of 2011, which would restrict the types of assets eligible to be pledged by individual sureties.

Discussed amending Title 41 of the US Code to exempt the Miller Act from being subject to periodic adjustments for inflation; discussed the need to amend the Small Business Investment Act to make changes to the US SBA Bond Guarantee Program; supported H.R. 3534, which amends Title 31 of the US Code so that noncorporate sureties writing on federal contracts would need to post the same collateral currently available to individuals who pledge alternatives to surety bonds as security.

Advocated for statutory curbs on improper contract bundling of federal construction contracts to permit small businesses to compete for awards; sought inclusion of "new construction" in the gambit of statutory scrutiny of federal bundled contracts.

Discussed amending Title 41 of the US Code to exempt the Miller Act from being subject to periodic adjustments for inflation; discussed the need to amend the Small Business Investment Act to make changes to the US Small Business Administration Bond Guarantee Program; discussed the need to amend Title 31 of the US Code so that noncorporate sureties writing on federal contracts would need to post the same collateral currently available to individuals who pledge alternatives to surety bonds as security.

Advocated for support of H.R. 674, which would repeal a 3% witholding on payments to government contractors for goods and services, as such withholding would impact adversely small firms which cannot have their cash flow disrupted.

Increased understanding of the important protections offered by surety bonds under the Miller Act (40 USC Section 3131 et seq.); advocated for an amendment to Title 41 of the US Code to exempt the Miller Act from being subject to periodic threshold adjustments indexed for inflation; advocated for amendment of the FAA Reauthorization Act (S. 223/H.R. 658) to delete language requiring the Secretary to establish a program for the purpose of prohibiting "excessive, unreasonable or discriminatory bonding".

Advocated for repeal of the 3% witholding tax contained in Section 511 of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation act of 2005 (P.L. 109-222); advocated for revision and revitalization of the U.S. Small Business Administration Bond Guarantee Program, particularly for reinstatement of enhancements made under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that sunset (contract size guarantee up to $5 million and vesting discretion in Administrator to determine program liabilities).

Discussed amending title 41 of the US Code to exempt the Miller Act from being subject to adjustments for inflation; discussed the need to make amendments to the Small Business Investment Act to reform and revitalize the US Small Business Administration Bond Guarantee Program; discussed generally the importance of federal surety bonding requirements to assure a pool of qualified federal contractors.

Discussed amending Title 41 of the US Code to exempt the Miller Act from being subject to adjustments for inflation every five years; discussed reforms to the US Small Business Bond Guarantee Program, including reduction in associated fees and restructuring the program into one that would be similar to a reinsurance model; discussed the repeal of Section 511 of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005, which imposes a 3% withholding on payments to government contractors.

Discussed the importance of excluding the Miller Act threshold from automatic adjustments for inflation every five years as required presently under Title 41 of the US Code. Requested legislation to exclude the Miller Act threshold.

Advocated for legislation to make permanent the changes made to the US SBA Bond Guarantee Program by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA), which sunset on September 30. Discussed the importance of curbing the improper bundling of federal construction contracts, which limit opportunities for small business participation as prime contractors, and the introduction of legislation to include new construction within the gambit of contract bundling scrutiny.

Discussed the importance of reforming and revitalizing the US SBA Bond Guarantee Program and in making permanent the recent changes made to the Program by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, which are set to sunset in September 2010. Discussed the importance of surety bonds to the federal procurement system, particularly for investments in infrastructure and construction. Discussed the need for legislation to exempt the Miller Act Threshold from automatic increases for inflation.

Discussed the need to support legislation that would curb improper contract bundling by federal agencies, as such bundling impacts the ability of small firms to compete for award of contracts as prime contractors. Discussed the need to support H.R. 3771, which would provide grant and mentorship assistance to small veteran-owned, minority-owned and women-owned construction businesses so they will be better prepared to seek and to obtain financial and surety credit.

Provided suggested modifications to S. 1960 to restructure the surety bond guarantee program of the US Small Business Administration; provided suggested modifications to H.R. 2991 to ensure that the surety bond guarantee program outlined in H.R. 2991 comports with prevailing practices of the surety industry; urged support of H.R. 3771, a bill to provide grant assistance to certain small contractors for the purpose of securing surety bonding, with various congressional offices; met with various congressional offices concerning statutory enhancements to the US SBA surety bond guarantee program; met with various congressional offices to promote and educate on surety bonding for public construction.

Indicated support of H.R. 4496, particularly the section subjecting procurements for new federal construction to contract bundling scrutiny and oversight.

Advocated for co-sponsorships of HR 3771, a measure to provide mentorship and grant assistance to small woman-owned, minority-owned and veteran-owned construction businesses to help them better qualify for financial and surety credit; apprised Senate Small Business Committee staff of HR 3771. Continued to advocate for introduction of legislation to add new construction to statutory definition of contract bundling similar to HR 1873 from 110th Congress.

Preservation of Miller Act requirements for federal construction contracting environments; continued to advocate for deletion of Section 3 of HR 294, which would reduce bond amounts for small veteran-owned construction firms doing business with the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs; provided comments on HR 2991 so that the bill sponsor will take into account prevailing practices of the surety industry.

Preservation of federal Miller Act requirements for federal construction contracting environments; advocated for deletion of Section 3 of H.R. 294, which would reduce bond amounts for veteran-owned construction firms doing business with the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs; advocated for introduction of legislation that would restructure the Bond Guarantee Program administrated by the U.S. Small Business Administration; Advocated for support of HR 2991, which would create a surety bond guarantee program administered by the U.S. Dept. of Transportation.

Advocated for introduction of legislation that would add new construction to the areas of federal procurement activity that would be subject to contract bundling scrutiny. This legislation would be similar to HR 1873 introduced in the 110th Congress. Supported introduction of HR 3771, which provides mentorship and grant assistance to certain small construction businesses for the purpose of placing them in better position to qualify for financial and surety credit. Supported S 292 and HR 275, which would repeal an existing (but not yet in effect) 3% tax withholding on goods and services from government contractors that would adversely impact the cash flow of these contractors and their ability to secure bonding and would have a disproportionate adverse impact on small contractors which could not shoulder the added financing burden.

Advocated for introduction of legislation that would add new construction to the areas of federal procurement activity that would be subject to contract bundling scrutiny. This legislation would be similar to HR 1873 introduced in the 110th Congress. Supported introduction of HR 3771, which provides mentorship and grant assistance to certain small construction businesses for the purpose of placing them in better position to qualify for financial and surety credit;

Preservation of federal Miller Act requirements for federal construction contracting environments; advocated for deletion of Section 3 of H.R. 294, which would reduce bond amounts for veteran-owned construction firms doing business with the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs; advocated for introduction of legislation that would restructure the Bond Guarantee Program administered by the US Small Business Administration; advocated for support of HR 2991, which would create a bond guarantee program administered by the US Dept. of Transportation; and supported S 292 and HR 275, which would repeal an existing (but not effective) 3% tax witholding on goods and services from government contractors that would adversely impact the cash flow of these contractors and their ability to secure bonding.

Advocated for reforms to the US Small Business Bond Guarantee Program, including reduction in associated fees and restructuring the program into one that would be similar to a reinsurance model. Advocated for the continuing importance of surety bond requirements contained in the Federal Miller Act for federal construction. Worked on proposed legislation for grants to small businesses to obtain professional services to help them qualify for surety credit.

Discussed the need to include in H.R. 1 reforms needed to revitalize the Small Business Administration's Bond Guarantee Program. These reforms would amend the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to increase the SBA Bond guarantee from $2 million to $5 million and would provide discretion to the administrator on matters relating to liability denials. Discussed the importance of observing and adhering to Miller Act bond requirements in federal construction projects. Discussed how actions by federal agencies to bundle separate contracts into larger contracts affects surety bonding capacity and small contractor participation and discussed the need for specific inclusion of "construction" in the statutory rules on contract bundling as was addressed in H.R. 1873 in the prior Congress. Advocated the introduction of specific legislation to create new mentorship and grant assistance programs for minority, women-owned and veteran-owned construction firms to better prepare them to qualify for financial and surety bond credit. Related that such legislation could be patterned after H.R. 7087 in the prior Congress. Discussed concerns with and opposition to the surety bonding provisions in H.R. 294, which would prohibit requiring veteran-owned small construction businesses performing contracts for the Department of Veterans Affiars to furnish performance and payment bonds that exceed 50% or more of the contract price. Discussed the importance of observing Miller Act bond requirements for military housing projects even if privitized.

Senate: Preservation and adherence to Miller Act requirements for federal construction procurements domestically and on federal overseas projects to ensure that contracting agencies receive the benefit of a surety performance guarantee and that subcontractors and suppliers on federal projects receive the benefit of a surety payment guarantee. Discussed also the increase in financial risk that contracting agencies assume when reducing or waiving Miller Act bonds. OMB: Discussed with the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (1) the need for regulatory guidance to clarify standards articulated in the Miller Act with respect to waiving bonds on overseas federal construction projects, and (2) the need for revisions in the Federal Acquisition Regulation on the acceptability of certain assets pledged to back surety bonds.