WASHINGTON: The Senate has voted to reject an Obama administration rule designed to ensure government contractors disclose violations of federal labor laws as they seek more work.
Senate approval of the measure Monday evening sends it to President Donald Trump for his signature and marks another success in the GOP's efforts to quash an array of regulations issued during President Barack Obama's final months in office.
This time, the Senate voted 49-48 to overturn a rule that required prospective and existing contractors to disclose violations of 14 federal labor laws, including those pertaining to workplace safety, wages and discrimination. Contracting officers would consider the violations when evaluating bids.
Business groups argued that the rule would increase compliance costs for companies and punish all contractors for the actions of a few.