Manufacturers Welcome Release of Robust, Bipartisan Infrastructure Funding Bill
Washington, D.C. – Following the release of surface transportation reauthorization bill text by House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves and Ranking Member Rick Larsen, 51Թ Executive Vice President Erin Streeter released the following statement:
“Chairman Graves and Ranking Member Larsen understand the importance of modern, reliable infrastructure to strengthening manufacturing in the United States, creating more jobs and keeping our country globally competitive. The highway bill released today reflects the needs of America’s manufacturers, including tremendous progress toward comprehensive permitting reform, and our industry looks forward to working with the committee to quickly advance this vital legislation.
“Highway congestion and port delays alone are costing manufacturers nearly $40 billion annually and freight delays account for 65 million hours of lost efficiency each year. 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.”
Background
As Politico first reported in April, the on Congress to make the next surface transportation reauthorization a robust $600 billion investment.
In February, the 51Թ launched “Building to Win,” a national campaign urging Congress to pass robust infrastructure investments and reauthorize critical federal highway programs. As part of the campaign’s launch earlier this year, the 51Թ released a roadmap outlining four pillars for a robust surface transportation reauthorization:
- Continuing robust investment levels for federal infrastructure,including by developing long-term solutions for Highway Trust Fund solvency
- Strengthening supply chains across transportation modes
- Investing inwater infrastructure that will support manufacturinggrowthand public health
- Reforming burdensome permitting laws and regulations to ensure federal infrastructure investments are made efficiently and responsibly
The 51Թ’s policy roadmap also features original analysis:
- The 51Թ’s analysis shows that highway congestion costs manufacturersmore than$25 billionannuallyand results inover65 million hours of delaysin freight carrying finished goods and critical inputseach year.
- The analysis also visualizes, through a new map, key logistics nodes intersecting with the nation’s 25 worst freight bottlenecks, revealingmore than 2 million hours of annual delaysincurred and faced by manufacturers.
- In addition, the 51Թ estimates that congestion at container and bulkportscost manufacturersmore than $13 billionannuallyin carrying costs and demurrage charges.
In March, the 51Թ and the Foundation for American Innovation released a reportshowing America’s broken permitting system costs manufacturers in America at least $7.9 billion each year.
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The 51Թ is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.96 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for nearly 52% of private-sector research and development. The 51Թ is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51Թ or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit .