The Labor Department is to be commended in trying to do this by improved personnel and its increased use in the field, by its endeavors to obtain more and more information and evaluations from awarding agencies on what are prevailing rates, similar construction, proper areas from which to draw prevailing wage criteria, etc. In addition to these increased sources of information and judgment, there is the presently operating Wage Appeals Board and an expanding body of unimpeachable information in the form of audit reports and opinions on observance of statutory authority by the Comptroller General. It is not unreasonable to assume the present language in the Davis-Bacon Act, in view of these improved procedures, may gradually take on more realistic meaning without legislation. Conclusion In conclusion, AGC would emphasize the need for legislation to establish an independent review procedure along the lines of AGC's proposal, and to abolish the 30-percent rule, if accuracy in wage predeterminations, fairness in enforcement, and observance of statutory authority are to be fully achieved in the long run. Finally, AGC would commend the subcommittee for its continuing interest in improved Davis-Bacon administration and the Department of Labor for the steps it has been taking, in the absence of legislation, to the same end. Sincerely, WILLIAM E. DUNN, Executive Director. (Whereupon, at 11:45 a.m., the committee was adjourned, subject to call of the Chair.) HEARINGS BEFORE THE THE UNIVERSIT JUN 30 1964 MAIN READING ROOM SPECIAL SUBCOMMITTEE ON LABOR OF THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND LABOR HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES EIGHTY-EIGHTH CONGRESS SECOND SESSION ON H.R. 1678 and H.R. 6088 BILLS TO PROVIDE WAGE STANDARDS FOR PERSONS ENGAGED HEARINGS HELD IN WASHINGTON, D.C., Printed for the use of the Committee on Education and Labor 33-922 O U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE WASHINGTON: 1964 |