President Joe Biden signed the $1.2 trillion bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) into law at a “boisterous ceremony at the White House,” according to The Hill, sealing a major accomplishment of his first term after weeks of tense negotiations in the House of Representatives.
Biden welcomed lawmakers from both parties, from Congress and from state and local governments, to celebrate the passage of the bill and tout what he insisted would be the “transformational ways” it would improve day-to-day life for many Americans.
“My message to the American people is this: America is moving again, and your life is going to change for the better,” Biden said.
The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) President and CEO Michael Johnson issued the following statement as he attended the signing at the White House.
“With President Biden’s signature affixed upon the IIJA, the most consequential infrastructure investment in our nation’s history is now law,” he said. “NSSGA was proud to represent the aggregates industry at the White House for this historic event, as our advocacy efforts over the last six years was paramount in delivering today’s success. From modernizing energy delivery, improving water systems and updating roads, bridges, and ports; the IIJA will address our critical infrastructure needs while helping the livelihoods of all Americans. This is a pivotal moment for the aggregates industry as key priorities are included in the bill, such as the ROCKS Act; reforms to permitting; long-term certainty and funding for surface transportation programs; and critical exemptions for our materials from burdensome, new sourcing requirements. NSSGA praises the leadership of the members of Congress who worked to draft and advance this bipartisan achievement, along with the Administration. More importantly, today’s result is a testament that practical lawmakers, on both sides of the aisle, can overcome political fighting and work together to deliver results that will better their constituents and put our nation on a path of economic success.”
“It was my great honor to represent the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) membership and U.S. transportation construction industry at today’s historic White House signing ceremony,” said ARTBA Chairman Ward Nye, who is also chairman and CEO of Martin Marietta Materials. “The bipartisan infrastructure law is a victory for all Americans. Let’s get to work delivering transportation project outcomes that will boost the economy and make our roadways and railways safer.”
The nation’s largest organization of public works professionals also visited the White House to see Biden sign the bill into law.
“The American Public Works Association worked hard to get IIJA across the finish line, and our invitation to view this important bill signing points to the dedication, commitment and bipartisan efforts of the 30,000 members who plan, design, build, maintain, operate and oversee the country’s vast infrastructure networks,” said APWA CEO Scott D. Grayson, CAE. “From roads and bridges to better protecting communities against natural disasters to modernizing our water infrastructure network, this new law will deliver significant upgrades in every state and benefit every person.
“This is the kind of consistent, substantial and long-term investment our public works infrastructure has needed, and the commitment of $550 billion in new federal spending over five years represents a generational improvement that still recognizes the need for local decision making,” Grayson said.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark issued the following statement after attending the signing of the bill at the White House.
“Today, all Americans won. The enactment of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will help connect 14 million Americans to broadband, provide clean drinking water for 10 million families, upgrade our energy grid, and grow our economy. It is the single largest investment in bridges since construction of the Interstate Highway System and the single largest investment in innovation, efficiency, and resiliency to address climate change in U.S. history.
“We thank every member of the House and Senate who cast a vote for America’s future, and for President Biden’s leadership and signing this historic legislation into law. I was honored to be at the White House today to witness this historic moment for our nation, our economy, and all American businesses and workers.
“This victory wouldn’t have been possible without the leadership of Senators Portman, Cassidy, Sinema, and Manchin, and key members of the House Problem Solvers Caucus. The bipartisan infrastructure negotiations showed us how Congress, the administration, business and a diverse coalition of interests can work together to solve today’s most pressing challenges.
“For more than 25 years the Chamber has led the charge for investment in America’s crumbling infrastructure. We will continue to work with our partners in business, labor, and government to identify projects with the most critical need, help find the necessary workers to get started, and bring much-needed investment to communities across America.”