On October 13 AGC sent a letter outlining the benefits and the needs for infrastructure investment in a stimulus package. AGC also issued a press release congratulating the House leadership for considering infrastructure investment in such package. AGC will continue to push for infrastructure investment in any further stimulus package.
The letter and press release are in response to the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi (R-CA), calling House democrat leadership to Washington for an economic forum on October 13. The forum was with leading economists to help Congress develop an economic recovery plan that focuses on creating jobs and strengthening the economy. Reports of the $150 billion stimulus include $25 billion for roads, bridges and other infrastructure in addition to tax rebates, money for food stamps, and unemployment benefits.
In late September, the House passed an economic stimulus bill (264-158) which included approximately $34 billion for infrastructure investment, including $12.8 billion for the federal-aid highway program; $3.6 billion for transit; $600 million for airport capital improvement projects; $7.5 billion for water infrastructure; $5 billion for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; $3 billion for public school reconstruction; $500 million for Amtrak; and $1 billion for public housing construction. A similar bill in the Senate failed on a procedural vote (52-42).
The Speaker has indicated a lame-duck session of Congress two weeks after the election is possible and Senate leadership announced a post-election session beginning November 17. During this time it is possible for Congress to readdress an economic stimulus package.
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