Infrastructure Bill Clears House Committee

After nearly 14 hours of markup and following months of strong NAM advocacy, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee voted 62–2 early Friday morning to advance the BUILD America 250 Act, a sweeping five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill.

Why it matters: The NAM calls the bill a “downpayment on America’s future growth thanking Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA) and the full T&I Committee saying the bill recognizes the urgent infrastructure and permitting challenges facing manufacturers and the broader economy.

What we’re saying: “Manufacturers asked Congress to begin the work toward developing long-term solutions for Highway Trust Fund solvency; invest in our mass transit, rail, aviation, maritime and water infrastructure; and pass comprehensive permitting reform—all with an eye toward keeping workers and the traveling public safe,” said NAM Executive Vice President Erin Streeter.

• “The BUILD America Act answers that call and advances meaningful progress on these priorities. We commend the members of the committee for their work on this bill and urge Speaker Johnson to bring it to the floor so manufacturers can realize the benefits of this legislation through growth and innovation that will support our nation’s broader economic prosperity. Because when manufacturing wins, America wins.”

NAM advocacy: The vote follows sustained NAM advocacy to keep infrastructure investment and permitting reform at the top of policymakers’ agenda:

• In February, the NAM launched “Building to Win,” a national campaign urging Congress to pass robust infrastructure investments and reauthorize critical federal highway programs.
• In April, the NAM called on Congress to make the next surface transportation reauthorization a robust $600 billion investment.
• In related advocacy, the NAM and the Foundation for American Innovation released a frequently cited report in March showing America’s broken permitting system costs manufacturers in America at least $7.9 billion each year—including by delaying much-needed infrastructure.

What’s next: The bill now heads toward consideration by the full House. Chairman Graves said he looks forward to moving the bill on the House floor “in the near future,” with the goal of sending final legislation to the president before the current surface transportation reauthorization expires Sept. 30.

The final word: “When America’s infrastructure moves, America’s economy moves with it,” said Streeter.