Washington, D.C. – June 10, 2021 – North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) President Sean McGarvey issued the following statement after the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s marathon markup of the $547 billion INVEST in America Act:

“I want to thank Chairman DeFazio for bringing forth a surface transportation bill that will create millions of job opportunities for North America’s Building Trades Unions’ members across the nation rebuilding our crumbling roads, bridges, transit systems and rail network.  The INVEST in America Act will provide the level of funding needed to lay the foundation for a stronger economy that benefits working people in every corner of the nation, in both large cities and rural communities.  The Chairman’s bill will ensure strong prevailing wage standards for building trades members, and will provide training opportunities for those who seek a career in the construction industry through our Registered Apprenticeship programs.  

“I also want to thank the strong and growing bipartisan majority of the Committee who once again stood up for construction workers in rejecting harmful anti-worker amendments that would have cut workers’ paychecks and eroded their standard of living.  At a time of both great economic uncertainty and opportunity, the Members who fought back against this effort understand that we cannot build back better by paying people less. 

“The action taken by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is the first step by the House of Representatives to move a comprehensive infrastructure package.  NABTU looks forward to continuing to work with the Committee as this bill, as well as the $50 billion Water Quality Protection and Job Creation Act,  moves through the legislative process, and ultimately results in a bill that arrives at the president’s desk.”

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