Infrastructure

A modern physical infrastructure is a critical driver of increased investment, job creation and overall economic growth. Business Roundtable supports policies that upgrade and expand America’s key infrastructure systems – transportation, water, energy, and communications – for the 21st century by increasing public and private investment and streamlining permitting processes.

To further advance the development of modern physical infrastructure, create jobs and promote economic growth, Business Roundtable supports bipartisan solutions like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) signed into law in November 2021. The IIJA provides urgently needed investments to restore our transportation systems and expand capacity to reduce congestion, upgrade aging water systems, deliver broadband access and energy to more communities, and make our infrastructure more resilient against evolving threats like cyberattacks and climate change. 

There are several important principles for sound infrastructure policy. These include strengthening “user pays” models, unlocking the full potential of private investment, investing for maximum impact, putting smart regulation to work, accelerating innovation, and planning to maintain what is built. These principles must not only be applied to roads, bridges, public transit and rail. They must also be used to renew ports and inland waterways, aviation infrastructure, drinking and wastewater facilities, and energy infrastructure. 

Access to high-speed internet is critical to participating in the economy and American society. Yet too many Americans – particularly rural communities, as well as people with lower incomes – lack access to this critical infrastructure. Business Roundtable supports legislation and policies to improve access to broadband and remote devices that would help underserved Americans engage in productive activities in the future.

Business Roundtable supports the following principles:

  • Improve Coverage Mapping
  • Increase and Modernize Federal Investments
  • Accelerate Deployment
  • Encourage Private Sector Investment

Policymakers should continue to work and incentivize private investment and expedite permitting approval processes to accelerate infrastructure development. For years, onerous permitting processes and regulations have stood in the way of infrastructure improvements American communities depend on. The Administration has taken actions to expedite review and permitting for major U.S. infrastructure projects that will help increase American competitiveness and economic growth. But there is more to be done. 

The Time To Act Is Now

In May 2018, Business Roundtable Chairman Jamie Dimon, NBC's Chuck Todd and leaders in business, government and labor held a discussion on the need for infrastructure renewal and the mounting economic consequences of inaction.

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"When President Kennedy said we’re going to put a man on the moon, eight years later, a man was walking on the moon. Now when someone says we’re going to build a bridge, eight years later, we’re still trying to get permits for the bridge."

Jamie Dimon

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Congress must also come up with a long-term solution to shore up federal trust funds that support highways, inland waterways and ports. America’s economy depends on it.

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