The Senate has passed a roughly $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure deal, a significant win for the aggregates and construction industries, according to The Hill.
The Senate’s passage of the bipartisan measure is also a victory for Biden and the centrist-minded group that led the legislation. The bipartisan deal includes roughly $550 billion in new funding, making it substantially smaller than the $2.6 trillion originally proposed by Biden.
The bill puts $110 billion over baseline into roads, bridges and other major projects, $66 billion into passenger and freight rail, $65 billion into broadband, $55 billion into water systems and $39 billion into public transit, among other spending.
The bill now heads to the House, where it faces an uncertain future and skepticism from progressives. Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has vowed she won’t take it up until the Senate passes the second part of its infrastructure two step, a sweeping $3.5 trillion spending package that includes Democrats’ top priorities.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) celebrated the passage of the bill, saying in floor remarks, “the American people will now see the most robust injection of funds into infrastructure in decades.”
The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) President and CEO Michael Johnson said, “NSSGA commends the Senate for working together in a bipartisan fashion to quickly move the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act out of the chamber. The bill provides targeted new spending over five years to improve our overused and outdated transportation systems across the U.S. It’s vital for a final bill to be passed before the September 30 deadline of the FAST Act.
“We would like to specifically thank the leadership of Senators Sinema (D-Ariz.) and Portman (R-Ohio) along with the entire G-22 and their staffs. The leadership of Chairman Carper (D-Del.) and Ranking Member Capito (R-W.Va.) was also critical as they shepherded the legislation through the chamber. This bill is supported by the entire aggregates industry as it provides robust funding, a focus on critical infrastructure needs and incorporates pragmatic policies that are fundamental for our economic growth in the near- and long-term future.
“This legislation only happens once in a generation, but it is still not finished. We ask the House to come together and answer the call to invest in our crumbling infrastructure network therefore stimulating an economic opportunity for job creation and economic success. NSSGA now urges all members of Congress to quickly act and approve this critical effort.”
U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Suzanne Clark issued the following statement after the Senate passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
“Our elected leaders are on the precipice of a historic investment in our nation’s crumbling infrastructure. Turning this long-overdue promise into a reality will grow our economy and strengthen our competitiveness for decades to come. We applaud the Senate for doing its job on a bipartisan basis, thoughtfully debating and passing much-needed infrastructure legislation that will finally invest in America’s roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure, create millions of jobs, and improve the quality of life for every American. Now it is time for the House to continue the bipartisan progress and send this bill to the president’s desk.”
Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) President and CEO Brian P. McGuire said, “AED commends the U.S. Senate’s approval of the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act. For years, AED has advocated for Congress to work in a bipartisan manner to rebuild our nation’s crumbling infrastructure, and we’re now one step closer to making it a reality. Not only does the bill fund vital projects across the country, but it also includes a five-year surface transportation reauthorization that will provide long-term certainty for contractors and other AED member customers. All without onerous tax increases on America’s job creators.
“I now call on the U.S. House of Representatives to immediately take up and pass the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, sending it to President Biden for his signature. The equipment industry is more than ready to help rebuild this country, creating economic growth, well-paying jobs and putting the United States on the path to future prosperity. Further delay is unacceptable.”
“The USW commends the bipartisan work of the U.S. Senate in passing a badly needed infrastructure bill. Our nation’s critical infrastructure is long past due for significant upgrades, and this bill is an important step toward both making our communities more secure and creating millions of good, family-sustaining jobs,” said United Steelworkers (USW) International President Tom Conway. “USW members from across every corner of our union already provide the essential building blocks of a modern infrastructure, from the steel that goes into our bridges, to the pipes that carry our water, to the fiber optic glass that keeps us connected and much more.
“A comprehensive infrastructure investment that draws on the goods and services American workers supply will promote widespread job growth and economic opportunity. USW members and their families will further benefit from this investment as their workplaces and communities become safer and more efficient. As this bill moves to the U.S. House, we cannot let the momentum falter. We urge Congress to continue working together in overhauling both our physical and social infrastructures until they finally meet our modern needs,” Conway concluded.