Washington, Aug. 2—Associated Builders and Contractors today released the following statement on the 2,702-page Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act set to pass the U.S. Senate later this week. The bill would provide $550 billion in new infrastructure spending throughout the country, including $110 billion for roads and bridges, $66 billion in passenger and freight rail, $65 billion in broadband, $55 billion in water infrastructure, $39 billion in public transit and billions for airports, ports and other infrastructure priorities.
“ABC applauds the important bipartisan work of the 22 senators who crafted this infrastructure deal; unveiling this bill text is a promising step towards securing the infrastructure investment American taxpayers need and deserve,” said Kristen Swearingen, ABC vice president of legislative & political affairs. “We also thank Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., for his commitment to a robust amendment process that will further improve on this historic investment in our nation’s infrastructure.”
“As this bill moves through the legislative process, we encourage the Senate to finalize language rooted in fair and open competition and equal opportunity—and remove unnecessary prevailing wage and local hire language that could impact the success of this legislation,” said Swearingen. “This bill must welcome the entire construction industry, regardless of labor affiliation, to compete for and bid on this important work.”
About ABC
Associated Builders and Contractors is a national construction industry trade association established in 1950 that represents more than 21,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 69 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. Visit us at abc.org.