Late on November 5, the United States House of Representatives voted 228 to 206 to pass the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, as approved 60 to 39 by the U.S. Senate back on August 10, which President Joe Biden is expected to sign.
As negotiated, the bipartisan legislation, which includes only $555 billion in new infrastructure spending, will help connect 14 million Americans to broadband, provide clean drinking water for 10 million families and upgrade America’s energy grid, while also creating millions of jobs.
The Democratic-controlled House delayed consideration of a pared-down $1.75T reconciliation bill, which would provide a social safety net to many Americans.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce applauded the bipartisan effort to deliver historic infrastructure reform, but continues to oppose the partisan reconciliation bill based on its tax-based funding.
In a statement issued following House vote, U.S. Chamber President and CEO Suzanne Clark stated called the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill “a major win for America.”
“We thank every member of the House and Senate who cast a vote for America’s future,” stated Clark. “It is the single largest investment in bridges since construction of the Interstate Highway System and the single largest investment made to address climate change in U.S. history.
“The bipartisan infrastructure negotiations showed us how Congress can work together to solve today’s most pressing challenges.”