NGFA Thanks Congress For Passing Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal

Arlington, VA -- The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) Nov. 6 thanked House lawmakers for passing by a 228-206 vote the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684), which provides much-needed investments to modernize the U.S. transportation system.

“A comprehensive transportation infrastructure bill, while popular, has long been elusive. By sending the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to the president’s desk, Congress has seized an exceptional opportunity to boost the competitiveness of American agriculture. We commend the Senate and president for negotiating this legislation last summer and urge enactment as soon as possible,” said NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert.

The bipartisan legislation would increase infrastructure spending by $550 billion over five years, including an additional $110 billion in U.S. roads and bridges, $65 billion for broadband, and approximately $17 billion for ports and waterways.

The latter includes $2.5 billion specifically for inland waterways construction projects. The bill also includes a number of provisions designed to boost the resiliency of the agricultural supply chain, including $10 billion in grants to upgrade and strengthen the electric grid, an apprenticeship pilot program to address the nationwide truck driver shortage, as well as authorizing further investments in cybersecurity.

“NGFA members rely on a robust and competitive transportation system, including U.S. highways, bridges, inland waterways, ports and railways, to efficiently and competitively serve domestic and global markets,” Seyfert noted.

“The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will enhance the efficient and cost-effective transport of agricultural and food products resulting in substantial contributions and opportunities for U.S. economic growth and trade.”

NGFA members sent letters to their House representatives urging them to support the infrastructure deal. The Senate passed the legislation on Aug. 10.