Why It Matters

The International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) faces a critical challenge: severe construction labor shortages are colliding with aggressive immigration enforcement, threatening both project timelines and worker safety standards. BAC is pushing for affordable housing expansion through S. 2651, The ROAD to Housing Act, while defending worker protections against H.R. 3548, the Infrastructure Expansion Act. The union is also backing H.R. 1589, the American Dream and Promise Act.

By the Numbers

BAC spent $120,000 in in-house lobbying during final quarter 2025. The union has filed 81 disclosures totaling $5.2 million since 2004, relying exclusively on in-house lobbyists except for a brief 2009 engagement with Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP.

BAC’s lobbying team comprises two experienced advocates. Jean-Paul Itz has represented the union since October 2008, appearing on 62 disclosures totaling over $4.3 million. Brian Vincent Kennedy joined in April 2018, filing 32 disclosures worth over $3.3 million. Kennedy brings substantial congressional experience, including 5 years and 5 months on Capitol Hill as General Counsel for the House Education and the Workforce Committee.

The Agenda

BAC is lobbying on four primary issues: housing, immigration, labor standards, and education infrastructure.

On housing, BAC supports S. 2651, The ROAD to Housing Act of 2025 to expand affordable housing. For immigration, the union backs H.R. 1589, The American Dream and Promise Act, providing a pathway to citizenship for immigrants. BAC is opposing H.R. 3548, the Infrastructure Expansion Act of 2025, which would weaken construction site liability standards. The union also advocates for federal investment in K-12 school facility modernization.

Broader Context

There is unprecedented construction labor shortages and immigration enforcement disrupting workforce availability. Mass deportations could eliminate over a million construction workers, making BAC’s push for legal pathways economically essential.

Federal education funding cuts create openings for BAC’s school modernization advocacy, with the estimated annual funding gap for school modernization exceeding $85 million.

Between The Lines

Congress is grappling with several battles relevant to BAC’s priorities. On labor standards, BAC faces headwinds from H.R. 3548 while counting on allies like Rep. Jesús "Chuy" García (D-IL) and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).

On immigration, BAC’s support for H.R. 1589 faces opposition from members like Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL). On housing, BAC’s backing of S. 2651 aligns with bipartisan momentum, including the CONSTRUCTS Act (H.R. 1055).

Competitive Landscape

BAC operates within a crowded advocacy ecosystem. The International Council of Employers of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers often aligns with BAC’s positions on worker misclassification and Davis-Bacon wages. The National Association of Home Builders focuses on workforce development initiatives.

BAC faces organized opposition from Rep. Nicholas Langworthy (R-NY) promoting H.R. 3548 and Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) contesting immigration advocacy.

The Bottom Line

The International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers spent $120,000 on in-house lobbying in fourth quarter 2025, continuing its focus on labor standards, immigration, housing, and education infrastructure. The union is backing S. 2651 to expand affordable housing and H.R. 1589 for immigrant citizenship pathways, while opposing H.R. 3548’s liability protections rollback. This represents standard continuation of BAC’s longstanding legislative priorities within the current congressional environment.

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