Capitol Hill Bills

With Congress coming back in session after their August recess, some significant federal funding bills are set to potentially pass through legislation. With last year’s low infrastructure grade from the American Society of Civil Engineers, it’s easy to see why these legislations are important. Here are some of the major infrastructural issues we’re watching for this session:

• Surface Transportation: The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has a five-year bill set at a funding level of $287 billion, meant to address transit programs, rail networks, and safety.

• Education: The Higher Education Act, which would re-authorize higher education programs that help with federal student financial aid, enforces laws regarding privacy & civil rights, and addresses college affordability, campus safety, access, and more.

• Water & Public Parks Infrastructure: The House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee will look at the Resilience Revolving Loan Fund Act, which creates a new state fund that provides low-interest loans to cities in the case of major disasters. Additionally, the bipartisan Restore Our Parks & Public Lands Act is set to get to the House floor for a vote, which would dedicate more funds to the National Park Service.

All of these issues work together to determine how strong our country’s infrastructure is. We hope to see some priority given to improving our national roadways, public parks, and other vital issues this year.