The chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America, Stephen E. Sandherr, issued the following statement in reaction to another delayed vote on the Bipartisan Infrastructure measure in the U.S. House of Representatives:
“It is extremely disappointing that some progressive Democrats and the Republican leadership would again delay passage of a much-needed infrastructure bill. This legislation will provide investments that will make our fragile supply chains more efficient while providing a needed boost to economic growth and employment levels.
“The Republican leadership chose to urge its members to oppose a bill that President Trump would have proudly signed into law. This bill provided the kind of transportation funding the former president championed. As significant, it would have made permanent his One Federal Decision executive order that significantly accelerates federal permitting reviews.
“At the same time, many progressive Democrats opted to vote against the bill because of their ongoing desire to use the measure as leverage to pass a massive, partisan, spending measure that would significantly expand the role of the federal government in many aspects of the economy.
“The American people were counting on Congress to deliver legislation that will make our transportation networks more efficient, keep roads and bridges safe, and expand access to clean drinking water. Sadly, too many members of Congress opted to put partisan politics above the needs of their constituents. The short-term victim may be the President’s legislative agenda, but the longer-term victim is our economy, quality of life and ability to compete in the global marketplace.”