WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today highlighted the growing support for the Republican infrastructure framework unveiled last week by Senators Capito, Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.).

The Republican infrastructure framework, which includes $568 billion in infrastructure investments over a five-year period, will serve as a guide as the Senate continues to develop bipartisan bills that will go through regular order. This is the largest infrastructure investment that Republicans have ever put forth.

What Stakeholders Are Saying About the Framework:

American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear:

'Legislating takes compromise, and it's encouraging to see Republicans, led by Senator Shelley Moore Capito, present their proposal for addressing our nation's pressing infrastructure needs. This proposal is a good start and more in line with the investment in last year's House transportation bill led by Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter DeFazio. The trucking industry, along with all Americans who utilize our roads and bridges, knows the time for infrastructure investment is overdue. We need more members of Congress willing to work together on critical priorities, and we cheer the efforts by the President and the Republicans and Democrats in Congress who are brave enough to try and find a consensus.'

National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons:

'Manufacturers applaud Senate Republicans' proposal for infrastructure investment, just as we welcomed the release of President Biden's bold infrastructure plan. This type of give-and-take is how we reach bipartisan consensus, and this is a chance to continue the conversation and restore trust between the parties after months of partisanship. Manufacturers' future depends on historic investment that will empower America to lead the world in modern infrastructure. Building the next, post-pandemic world requires investing in roads, bridges, pipes, waterways, 5G, the electric grid and so much more. As manufacturers have laid out in our 'Building to Win ' plan, we not only have a vision of where to invest but also how to pay for it without harming manufacturers' competitiveness. So, we look forward to working with both parties to finally get this done.'

Building America's Future's Co-Chairs former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell and former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood:

'We applaud the good faith effort by Senator Capito and her colleagues to put forth a serious proposal that focuses on such traditional infrastructure as roads, bridges, transit, rail, wastewater and drinking water, broadband, ports and inland waterways. It is good to see that both Democrats and Republicans acknowledge that significant investment in America's infrastructure is urgently needed. Now more than ever, it is important that Republicans and Democrats seek common ground and work together to craft an infrastructure package to jump start our economy, create good paying jobs and enhance the quality of life for all of our citizens.'

The Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America:

'The framework put forth by Republican Senators shares significant similarities with President Biden's American Jobs Plan and shows that there is a very real pathway for enacting transformational infrastructure legislation. The Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America is very encouraged by this process to produce a bipartisan proposal.'

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) Vice President, Government & Regulatory Affairs Michele Stanley:

'NSSGA's members welcome the Senate infrastructure proposal released today by Ranking Members Capito, Wicker, Toomey, Crapo and Barrasso. These Ranking Members represent those Senate committees with relevant jurisdiction over infrastructure and they have identified and prioritized those critical public works projects in most need of federal support.

'Infrastructure is a bipartisan issue and requires a bipartisan solution. We must remain focused on the need for a multi-year surface transportation reauthorization bill which must pass Congress before September 30 - when the current FAST Act extension expires. While NSSGA appreciates the broad and bold infrastructure proposals offered by the Biden administration and other elected officials; today's proposal, which totals $568 billion over five years, incorporates $299 billion for the essential highway, road and bridge project investments our country desperately needs, yet are vastly overutilized and underfunded.

'We hope today's proposal signals an opportunity for the Senate to work together towards passing a bipartisan surface transportation reauthorization that will create countless jobs, advance our nation's economic competitiveness and improve the daily lives of millions of Americans. NSSGA continues to push for bipartisan infrastructure investment with all Congressional stakeholders. Infrastructure has lagged and decayed for too long, and the time for real solutions are overdue.'

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE):

'ASCE's 2021 Report Card for America's Infrastructure found the nation earned a 'C-', up from 2017's cumulative GPA of 'D+'. However, progress has been incremental and 11 of the 17 categories received scores in the 'D' range, demonstrating that much work needs to be done to modernize the overall infrastructure network and position our nation for the future. Inaction is not an acceptable option for American households, who lose an average of $3,300 per year due to deficient, degrading infrastructure and status quo federal investment.

'Much like the American Jobs Plan, this new proposal includes critical funding to repair and modernize the transportation sector, but also addresses drinking water and wastewater needs, ports and inland waterways, and improving broadband access. The COVID-19 pandemic decimated revenues for airports, transit agencies, water utilities and state departments of transportation (DOTs), making the need for a strong federal partner greater than ever.

'As the nation looks to strengthen the economy, create jobs, and build resilient communities, ASCE believes that infrastructure investment is the key to long-term prosperity and maintaining our competitive position, as well as providing access and opportunity to communities across the country. We look forward to working with the Administration and Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to move significant, visionary infrastructure legislation across the finish line in the coming months.'

The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) President & CEO Michael Bellaman:

'Enhancing global competitiveness and creating jobs should be the cornerstones of any plan to modernize our crumbling roads, bridges, schools and utilities. The Republican infrastructure framework would serve the American public well, as it focuses on safety, national security and resiliency.

'While the Republican plan to finance infrastructure lacks specifics, small businesses that suffered through the 2020 recession will be relieved that their tax burden will not increase under this framework, and they can continue to create jobs and drive America's economic recovery under the beneficial provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

'It is good to see that the framework is based on key principles that would help ensure that America's taxpayers get maximum value from the proposed $568 billion in investments. These include expediting the permitting process, reducing regulatory burdens and embracing technology and innovation, all of which can cut costs and improve productivity to deliver more infrastructure projects for each dollar spent.'

American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) President and CEO Dave Bauer:

'President Joe Biden jumpstarted the transportation infrastructure debate with the release of his American Jobs Plan. Today's proposal from Senate Republicans illustrates the desire to address the nation's mobility and economic competitiveness challenges is broad-based and real. A wide-ranging federal infrastructure renewal initiative is much needed and long overdue. Recent history with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, however, demonstrates the necessity of reauthorizing the core surface transportation programs as a foundational element of any final plan. The expiration of more than $50 billion in federal highway and public transportation funding in five months underscores the relevance of this lesson. While an exchange of principles is a necessary step, these priorities must be accompanied by a will to deliver results that benefit all Americans.'

Association of American Railroads (AAR) President and CEO Ian Jefferies:

'Today with the release of the Republican infrastructure package, it is even clearer that there is bipartisan consensus around the urgent need for significant investment in the nation's highways, bridges and roads. Railroads stand ready to help advance this conversation and enact thoughtful legislation to modernize our nation's public infrastructure and help us compete into the future.'

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley:

'President Biden has presented his infrastructure proposal and Senator Capito has now presented a plan that reflects the input of many Senate Republicans. For anyone who sincerely wants to see a bold and responsible infrastructure plan finally enacted into law, there is only one path forward: bipartisan negotiations. Whether Republican or Democrat - those who declare negotiations as futile before they have even begun are the ones standing in the way of long-overdue investments in our nation's infrastructure.

'We commend Sen. Shelley Moore Capito for taking a leadership role in developing an infrastructure proposal and helping move these negotiations forward. We are particularly pleased to see the common ground between Republicans and Democrats on some of the key components of an infrastructure plan. The Chamber continues to urge both parties to maintain America's traditional user-financed model of funding infrastructure and to pay for new investment over an extended period of time just like the private sector does. Lawmakers should reject broad-based tax increases that would make American employers uncompetitive and cost America jobs.'

Business Roundtable President & CEO Joshua Bolten:

'Business Roundtable welcomes the release of the Senate Republican framework as an important step toward bipartisan negotiations on infrastructure investment. We urge policymakers to continue negotiations and come together on a balanced and bipartisan approach that prioritizes physical infrastructure.

'We are encouraged that today's framework calls for permitting reforms and incorporates a user pays model to ensure that infrastructure users - including business - pay their share. User pays models are a proven way to ensure sustainable infrastructure investment versus significant tax increases on job creators that would weaken the economic recovery.

'Business Roundtable has long advocated for increased investment in America's transportation, water, energy and communications infrastructure, and we estimate that an investment of approximately $1 trillion above baseline over 10 years is necessary to return U.S. physical infrastructure to a state of good repair, expand capacity to meet expected demand, and invest in new green infrastructure.'

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Executive Director Jim Tymon:

'Senate Republicans have put forward a proposal that recognizes the value of using proven existing programs and increasing funding for infrastructure over current levels. But this is only one further step in the process. We look forward to Republicans and Democrats working with the Administration to reach a bipartisan agreement that significantly increases investment and modernizes our nation's infrastructure as soon as possible.'

American Highway Users Alliance President and CEO Laura Perrotta:

'The Highway Users are happy to see the Republican Ranking Members are working together and striving to offer a negotiation tool to develop a bipartisan reauthorization bill. We also appreciate their efforts to ensure that roads and bridges receive increased funding over current levels. We look forward to working with the White House and Congress to achieve robust highway and bridge investment before the September 30th deadline.'

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