NUCA Supports H-2C Visa Legislation
The National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) issued the following statement by NUCA Vice President of Government Affairs Zack Perconti supporting Rep. Lloyd Smucker’s (R-Pa.) Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act (H.R. 5494) introduced Sept. 18, 2025:
“The National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) strongly supports Rep. Lloyd Smucker’s ‘Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act’ establishing a new H-2C visa, an innovative step toward addressing our industry’s persistent labor shortages. With infrastructure demands surging—driven by aging systems and federal infrastructure investments—our industry has faced for several years a dire need for skilled employees. This year, there will be a shortfall of almost 440,000 construction workers nationwide, with utility construction projects particularly strained by the need to find specialized expertise in water, sewer, telecommunications, and energy infrastructure.”
“Rep. Smucker’s bill creating the H-2C visa would develop a streamlined pathway for qualified foreign workers to fill these gaps, offering temporary, seasonal, or project-based employment while prioritizing American workers. Unlike the existing H-2B visa, the H-2C program is tailored to construction’s unique needs, with a proposed cap of 65,000 visas annually and robust protections to ensure fair wages and working conditions.”
“NUCA’s workforce development goals emphasize training, recruitment, and retention to build a sustainable labor pipeline for our industry. An H-2C visa will complement these efforts by providing immediate relief while our industry continues to invest in long-term solutions to meet our labor demands over the next 20 years.”
“America’s infrastructure will not fix itself—it needs skilled and motivated people to make it happen. NUCA urges Congress to pass Rep. Smucker’s legislation this session, empowering the utility construction industry to support economic growth and deliver the critical underground infrastructure America needs.” Tags: NUCA, Workforce
