NLBMDA provides infrastructure legislation updates

The National Lumber and Buiding Material Dealers Association reports that the U.S. Senate has released the text of the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure legislation that is currently under consideration in Congress. 

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act would provide approximately $550 billion in new spending over five years and include investments in roads, bridges, rail, ports, airports, waterways, public transit, and other traditional infrastructure projects. 

The bill also contains NLBMDA-backed workforce initiatives that would help alleviate labor shortages in the transportation industry and wood product supply chain. The legislation will be paid for through a variety of new revenue sources but will not include any tax increases on individuals or small businesses.

The Senate will now debate the legislation and consider amendments before voting on final passage later this week. The bill must have the support of 60 senators to clear the Senate filibuster and receive a final up-or-down vote. If approved by the Senate, the House Representatives will take up the legislation when it returns from recess in September. It remains unclear whether the legislation will have enough support to pass a narrowly divided House in its current form.

The NLBMDA said that it is reviewing the bill text and will be sure to keep members updated on the latest developments. The association said that it will continue to advocate on behalf of the industry with senior staff on key committees in the House and Senate.

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Summary

Invests approximately $1.2 trillion on traditional infrastructure projects, including $550 billion in new infrastructure spending over 5 years in the following areas:

• Roads and bridges;
• Passenger and freight rail;
• Public transit;
• Airports;
• Ports and waterways;
• Electric vehicles;
• Road safety;
• Power, broadband and water infrastructure;
• Resiliency and western water storage; and
• Environmental remediation.

Invests in workforce development and training:

• Includes the DRIVE Safe Act (H.R. 1745/S. 659) which would establish an apprenticeship program that would allow for the legal operation of a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce by CDL holders under the age of 21.
• Includes the Promoting Women in Trucking Workforce Act (H.R. 1341/S. 469) which would require the Department of Transportation to establish an advisory board charged with identifying barriers to entry for women in the trucking industry and help identify and establish training and mentorship programs for women.
• Creates several job training and apprenticeship initiatives in the transportation sector.

Contains $500 billion in new revenue provisions to pay for the legislation but does not include any new tax increases on individuals or small businesses.