Dear Representative:
The AFL-CIO urges you to support the “Moving Forward Act” (H.R. 2), a $1.5 trillion plan to rebuild America’s infrastructure.
The AFL-CIO has long believed that our nation has the ability to create a better, brighter and more prosperous future by investing much more in our nation’s infrastructure. H.R. 2 will create millions of good jobs, increase long-term growth, and makes us more globally competitive, while protecting our environment and improving our health. By making significant investments in surface transportation, rail and transit systems, aviation, energy production and distribution, schools, broadband and housing, H.R. 2 will help us meet the demands of a 21st-century economy.
We are especially pleased that the authors have included labor standards throughout the bill to guarantee that the jobs created are good jobs with family supporting wages, and Buy America provisions that will bolster U.S. manufacturing. Enactment of H.R. 2 will allow our nation to move forward with critical improvements to our nation’s roads, tunnels and bridges, our ports and harbors, airports, and rail systems. It will fund improvements in safe drinking water and wastewater systems, modernize the nation’s health care infrastructure, and create more affordable housing. Finally, the bill will accelerate the development of carbon reducing technologies and renewable energy, as well as modernize schools, invest in the postal service and provide high speed internet to underserved areas.
The American people cannot afford to wait any longer. The future prosperity of working families and our communities is at stake, as is our nation’s commitment to the simple but powerful idea that when we invest in our infrastructure, our economy expands and working people thrive. Further, as the September 2020 expiration of the current surface transportation law approaches, Congress must move quickly to avoid major disruptions in ongoing construction projects. The AFL-CIO strongly urges you to support this important legislation.
Sincerely,
William Samuel
Director, Government Affairs