Congress Begins Work on New Infrastructure Law During Infrastructure Week

As Infrastructure Week kicks off, Congress is in the early stages of crafting the next surface transportation and infrastructure law, marking the unofficial start of a pivotal legislative process. This initiative comes in the wake of the substantial attention given to budget reconciliation, with the public and lawmakers recognizing the pressing need for a new infrastructure framework.

This upcoming law is poised to follow the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), a historic federal investment in U.S. infrastructure. States and transportation stakeholders are closely monitoring the progress, as the fate of potentially hundreds of billions of dollars for roads, bridges, railways, transit systems, and ports hangs in the balance. This law is also set to influence the regulations governing the movement of vehicles across the nation.

Millions of American families and businesses depend on reliable infrastructure for mobility and goods transportation. Years of insufficient investment have resulted in deferred maintenance and delayed critical projects affecting national competitiveness and economic growth. However, recent improvements, as noted in the American Society of Civil Engineers’ “Report Card for America’s Infrastructure,” highlight the significance of sustained progress.

To ensure economic growth and competitiveness, lawmakers need to address several priorities in the upcoming infrastructure bill.

Enhancing Economic Growth through Strategic Infrastructure Investments

Roads, bridges, railways, transit systems, and ports are vital components of the U.S. economy, facilitating efficient movement across the country. Congress needs to maintain and build upon previous investments to enhance the overall transportation network, thereby boosting economic growth and improving quality of life.

The success of federal investments in easing freight traffic bottlenecks, improving road safety, and alleviating congestion underscores the importance of continued funding. By supporting these initiatives, lawmakers can bring similar benefits to more communities nationwide.

Streamlining the Permitting Process for Infrastructure Development

The existing federal permitting process presents a significant barrier to infrastructure development, often causing years of delays and escalating costs. It is crucial for lawmakers to modernize and streamline this process, eliminating bureaucratic hurdles that impede essential infrastructure projects needed to meet contemporary societal demands and global competitiveness.

Fast-tracked emergency projects such as the I-95 rebuild in Philadelphia and Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge demonstrate the potential for efficiency. Cutting through red tape can accelerate construction timelines, reduce costs, and enable funding for projects that enhance American workers' and families' quality of life.

Prioritizing Safety and Reliability in Infrastructure

Reliable infrastructure is crucial for ensuring safety and efficiency for communities, businesses, and the economy. Investing in robust roads, bridges, ports, and transit systems that withstand weather-related and man-made disruptions is essential. Technological advancements offer new opportunities to fortify infrastructure, reducing future risks and ensuring longevity.

Establishing Stable Funding for Long-Term Transportation Projects

Stable federal funding empowers states to confidently plan long-term infrastructure investments. Historically, revenues from the gas tax funded these investments, but this tax has not increased since 1993, despite rising construction costs and increasing infrastructure needs. Congress increasingly relies on debt to bridge the gap.

To address this, there is a call for Congress to reinstate the "user fee" as a primary funding mechanism for surface transportation. Modernizing the user fee to account for rising construction costs, fuel efficiency improvements, and the growing number of electric vehicles will ensure all users contribute fairly to maintaining and improving the nation’s infrastructure.

The Future of U.S. Infrastructure

The forthcoming infrastructure bill holds the potential to profoundly shape America’s future. By adhering to these recommendations, the U.S. can develop modern, efficient, and secure infrastructure that enhances global competitiveness, strengthens national security, and fosters a manufacturing renaissance.