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February 16, 2022
2022-0277

Ways & Means subpanel holds infrastructure hearing

The House Ways & Means Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee hearing on "Examining the Economic Impact of Federal Infrastructure Investment" February 15 included discussion of programs provided under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) enacted in November 2021, as well as some additional proposals included in the Build Back Better Act (BBBA). Republican members sought to relitigate the value of the IIJA — only 13 Republican House members supported it — asserting that it did not invest enough in traditional infrastructure and questioning the overall level of investment in light of inflation concerns.

Chairman Mike Thompson (D-CA) at several points noted that the bill was bipartisan. In an opening statement, he highlighted "$7.5 billion to build out the first-ever national network of EV chargers in the United States" and "funding to improve protection against natural disasters and to invest in weatherization that will reduce energy costs for families." Chairman Thompson said it is important for members to examine the impacts of the investments on their districts. (The Biden administration has increased communications intended to make sure the public understands how the IIJA is impacting Americans' lives, as well.)

Ranking Member Mike Kelly (R-PA) noted transportation and energy-related inflation increases facing Americans and the need for investment in traditional infrastructure, highlighting the Pittsburgh bridge collapse not far from his district. "Too often what Democrats offer as 'infrastructure' is just a redistribution of taxpayer money for various social or climate priorities instead of on highways, roads, rivers and bridges, and runways," he said.

Additional information is available in the attached Tax Alert.

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Contact Information
For additional information concerning this Alert, please contact:
 
Washington Council Ernst & Young
   •  Any member of the group at (202) 293-7474.

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ATTACHMENT

Ways & Means infrastructure hearing