On January 15, AGC of Texas past president Seth Schulgen of Williams Brothers testified on behalf of AGC of America before the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure. Schulgen discussed the status of America’s transportation systems from the perspective of a construction company.
In his testimony, Schulgen highlighted how inflation has driven up the cost of construction. Specifically, he noted that from February 2020 to November 2024 the industry experienced a:
- 70% increase in copper and brass mill shapes (used in copper pipe, wiring, roofing materials, and brass fixtures);
- 66% increase in diesel fuel;
- 52% increase in gypsum building materials (wallboard and plaster);
- 47% increase in insulation materials; and
- 45% increase in steel mill products.
In addition to economic data, Schulgen highlighted industry optimism for the upcoming year, as noted within an AGC survey of its members, much of which is due to ongoing impacts from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). With the expected ramp up in projects, he focused on the industry workforce shortages and what Congress can do to help.
Schulgen also stressed the importance of keeping existing workforce safe and healthy efforts, as increased extreme speeding, distractions, and impairment of drivers has made highway work zones more dangerous than ever.
Members of the committee also heard from Jeff Landry, Governor of Louisiana, Vanessa Fuentes, Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem, City of Austin, Texas, and Sarah Galica, Vice President of Transportation at The Home Depot.
AGC of America thanks Seth and the staff at AGC of Texas for their help preparing for the hearing. The association strives to ensure that his testimony translates into deliverable action for the industry.
For more information, please contact Deniz Mustafa at deniz.mustafa@agc.org.