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As Congress gears up for a major infrastructure push this year, the NAM continues to ramp up the pressure to make the case that now is the moment to deliver on a robust infrastructure investment.

What’s going on: The NAM is out with a new number—calling on lawmakers to lock in a $600 billion, five-year surface transportation and infrastructure package this year, including highway, mass transit, rail, aviation, maritime and water infrastructure—first reported by POLITICO.

• As lawmakers continue negotiations on surface transportation reauthorization, the NAM is pressing Congress to meet the moment with a robust, long-term investment—arguing that $600 billion is needed to strengthen supply chains, reduce congestion and keep manufacturers competitive.
• The new funding request is part of the NAM’s national “Building to Win” campaign, which is urging Congress to pass robust infrastructure investments and reauthorize critical federal highway programs.

Check it out: The NAM is running a new ad all week in POLITICO’s Morning Transportation newsletter urging action on robust infrastructure funding and permitting reform.

• The ad spotlights the stakes: highway congestion and port delays alone cost manufacturers nearly $40 billion, while freight delays account for 65 million hours of lost efficiency each year—raising costs, slowing shipments and weakening competitiveness.
• It also calls on Congress to pass an infrastructure bill that will reduce congestion, improve reliability and empower manufacturers to make and move products worldwide—while underscoring that progress also depends on commonsense, comprehensive permitting reform.

Marry the two: NAM Vice President of Domestic Policy Chris Phalen also recently told CQ  (subscription) that “in the absence of a permitting deal that moves on its own, a marriage with the surface transportation bill would be the cleanest outcome,” saying, “[i]nfrastructure and permitting reform, they go hand in hand. They’re inseparable. If we want to have the infrastructure of the future and the manufacturing dominance that I think all parties want, we need Congress to advance these priorities this year.”

On the clock: May 13 is the new markup date for the surface transportation reauthorization bill, according to House Transportation and Infrastructure Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA)—pushed back from April 29, Punchbowl reported.

• Punchbowl also reported that House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) stated the target funding total will be in the $550 billion – $600 billion range.

Last word: “By passing a robust surface transportation reauthorization bill and bipartisan, comprehensive permitting reform this year, Congress can take a major step forward to reduce congestion, improve reliability and empower manufacturers to make and move products that reach millions worldwide—supporting communities here at home. We look forward to working with leaders in both chambers of Congress and the Trump administration to secure a strong investment in transportation infrastructure—the backbone of America’s manufacturing strength,” said Phalen.