The measure before us does not repeal the act but would give us concrete data upon which to cast future votes. It could provide the answer of the questions of opponents of reform of DavisBacon. During the Great Depression. many local construction workers were being displaced by migrant workers who were willing to work for lower than normal wages. So. in 1931. the DavisBacon Act was enacted to protect local construction workers jobs by discouraging the employment of itinerants on federally financed or federally assisted construction projects of over $2.000. DavisBacon. the Nations first Federal law affecting minimum wages for private sector employees. required the Secretary of Labor to determine prevailing wages in areas where Federal construction was to take place.