Washington, D.C. (January 16, 2026) — Brent Booker, General President of the Laborers’ International Union of North America, made the following statement regarding Senator Van Hollen’s Introduction on “Power for the People Act 2026”:

“The Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) commends Senator Chris Van Hollen for the introduction of the Power for the People Act of 2026.  His legislation balances the development of data centers with protections for electricity rate-payers and the workers who are building these critical economic engines.

 

Data centers are critical to the national security of the United States, stimulate economic development, facilitate innovation in emerging technologies and, with the proper safeguards, will create good-paying jobs.  These facilities house the critical digital infrastructure our communities need to spur local business investment and create tens of thousands of well-paying union jobs.

 

LIUNA supports the responsible development of data infrastructure that generates these jobs and invigorates communities across the country.  Data infrastructure is a growing driver of construction employment with over $30 billion in new spending in 2025.

 

Political posturing should not stand in the way of responsible and necessary construction of America’s data infrastructure.  They are sources of jobs and economic development, especially in towns and rural areas that have otherwise been left behind.

 

Senator Van Hollen’s legislation balances the needs of communities, workers, and project developers.  Its enactment will help ensure that these projects positively impact the lives of the communities where they are located in and the workers who build them”.

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The more than a half-million members of LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America – are on the forefront of the construction industry, a powerhouse of workers who are proud to build the U.S. and Canada.