Nov. 8, 2021

By Walt Williams

Many business groups are excited about the recent passage of a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill by Congress, but when it comes to a separate, large reconciliation bill being pursued by Democrats ... not so much.

Among its many provisions, the infrastructure package divvies out $110 billion for roads and bridges, $39 billion for public transportation and $65 billion for broadband internet, according to an analysis by Forbes. President Joe Biden was expected to sign the bill into law Monday.

 Increased infrastructure spending has been a top priority for the business sector, and the bill pours billions of dollars into infrastructure projects without raising taxes. Among the groups praising the legislation were a host of associations representing industries that produce construction materials, such as the National Asphalt Pavement Association, Portland Cement Association and National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association, according to the industry news site Pit & Quarry.

"This bill represents a once-in-a-generation investment in the country's transportation networks, demonstrating America's long-standing commitment to provide safe roads, airports, and transit for the traveling public," NAPA CEO Audrey Copeland said in a statement.

Other associations also put out statements praising the legislation, including the American Gas Association, U.S. Travel Association, National Electrical Manufacturers Association and Association of American Railroads. However, there is little excitement among many of those same groups for a separate spending package that some Democrats have insisted should be linked to the infrastructure bill. That second package—dubbed the Build Back Better Act (BBBA)—would raise taxes on some businesses and individuals to pay for a host of programs, such as clean energy tax credits and universal preschool, although it is unclear whether Democrats have the votes in their own party. Democrats are hoping to pass the bill through the budget reconciliation process, which would require 51 votes in the Senate rather than 60.  

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce issued a statement praising the infrastructure bill while reiterating its opposition to the reconciliation package. The business group was reportedly shunned by Republican leadership earlier this year for speaking too favorably about the Democrat-backed proposals.

"Members of the House also made the right decision in delaying consideration of the partisan reconciliation bill," Chamber CEO Suzanne Clark said in a statement. "It would be the height of irresponsibility for members of Congress to vote on a multi-trillion tax-and-spend bill without even knowing its true cost or even pausing to consider the policy ramifications."

One group that is pushing for BBBA is the American Clean Power Association, given the reconciliation package would build on the infrastructure bill's investments in clean energy. In a statement, CEO Heather Zichal urged Congress to keep working on the legislation.

"Clean energy infrastructure means jobs," she said. "With over 415,000 Americans already working in wind, solar and energy storage across America, the Build Back Better Act investment in infrastructure will continue the rapid growth of job-creating clean energy projects and help meet our emissions reduction targets."

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