BUILD America 250 Act: Add Your Voice

As I write this note, Congress is on yet another vacation. While I find that infuriating, I also see it as an opportunity to let my local representatives know they’re supposed to represent my interests, which include passing a new, fully funded highway bill before the IIJA expires Sept. 30. A nice facet of our current government is we don’t have to wait for representatives to be stationed in their home offices to reach out to them.

We can write to or call our representatives in D.C. at any time, and I’d like to encourage that regarding the BUILD America 250 Act. That stands for Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development for America’s 250^th and is a five-year, $580 billion, bipartisan transportation reauthorization bill intended to modernize U.S. roads, bridges, transit and rail systems while introducing new funding and regulatory frameworks.

The House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee approved this surface transportation act back in May, thus advancing H.R. 8870. By mid-June, the Transportation Construction Coalition (TCC) reported, “During and after the bill markup, members of Congress highlighted the need for reliable federal funding to modernize the nation’s transportation network, improve safety, and drive economic growth.” TCC listed 28 members from both sides of the aisle who had positive, energetic statements about the bill.

I think we all recognize that it takes more than 28 members of Congress to accomplish anything these days.

The construction industry must rally to convince Congressional leaders that H.R. 8870 is vital to their constituents as well as our shared economy. We know how to do that. We’ve done it before. It’s time to do it again…on an individual basis. At the grassroots level.

If you’ve seen the updates at The Asphalt Pro, you’re aware that TCC and its member organizations like NAPA and NSSGA have written letters, put CEOs in Congressional hearings and on podcasts, and assisted with plant tours for various state representatives. Let’s not leave all the heavy lifting to the national organizations. Congress hears from the usual lobbyists all the time. It’s time to take our destiny into our own hands.

I urge you to call your representatives today. Send an email tonight after work. Type a letter, print it out and mail it tomorrow. In fact, if you’re the foreman of a sealcoating crew, print out the letter and ask the members of your crew if they’re willing to sign it with you. Apply that concept wherever you fit into the industry.

The time you invest by adding your voice helps secure your future.

Stay Safe,

Sandy Lender