Democrats, Republicans Release Infrastructure Proposals

Last week, Chairman DeFazio and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Democratic leadership released a framework for a $760 billion infrastructure investment as part of the surface transportation reauthorization. Current surface transportation programs, authorized through the FAST Act, expire at the end of September. The framework outlines investment in roads, bridges, transit systems, airports and ports, as well as water and wastewater systems, broadband and other infrastructure-related priorities. The five-year reauthorization designated $434 billion for highway and transit investments of which $319 billion is dedicated to highways, with emphasis on maintenance and good repair and resilient infrastructure.  Republicans released their principles just ahead of the Democratic framework.

Following the release of the Democrats’ infrastructure framework and the Republicans’ principles, NRMCA was invited to participate in an infrastructure roundtable discussion by Reps. Rodney Davis (R-IL) and Dan Lipinski (D-IL) who are both co-chairs of NRMCA’s Congressional Ready Mixed Concrete Caucus. Also participating were representatives from the Portland Cement Association and American Highway Users Alliance. Stakeholder groups stressed the importance of a long-term, sustainable funding stream for the Highway Trust Fund. NRMCA raised the importance of workforce development, resilient construction and materials neutrality as well as support for the framework’s emphasis on the good repair and maintenance of the highway system.

NRMCA will continue to engage with Reps. Davis and Lipinski, as well as other members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, as we move ahead with an infrastructure bill.

To read the full framework, click here. NRMCA is seeking member company’s comments on this framework. To participate in the survey and provide feedback, see more details on the survey in the E-NEWS item below.