Dennis Slater, the president of Association of Equipment Manufacturers issued the following statement in response to the U.S. House of Representatives voting to approve H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act. 

 
"Today's passage of H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act, is an important step in reauthorizing our federal surface transportation program. AEM has long supported the development of a comprehensive infrastructure package, one that makes much needed investments in our roads, highways, bridges, waterways, and broadband networks. We commend the U.S. House of Representatives for staying focused on the looming expiration of the 2015 FAST Act, and the opportunity before us to leverage infrastructure investment as a means to support economic recovery efforts during the coronavirus pandemic. H.R. 2 lays down a strong marker for much-needed, long-term investment in our nation's infrastructure, and AEM will continue to support this process as it moves forward. 

"AEM understands the time and effort that went into crafting this legislation and urges both chambers to move forward from today's vote in a bipartisan fashion. We are committed to keeping up the momentum for long-term and sustainable infrastructure investment. The 2.8 million men and women of the equipment manufacturing industry are depending on lawmakers to get the job done."

After days of debate on the House floor, the $1.5 trillion infrastructure package passed by a vote of 233-188. The Senate will consider it after the July recess. Many other organizations praised the bill's passage by the house, including the Teamsters, which stated that the action not only forwards an important agenda, "it does so in a way that recognizes the evolving challenges our country faces."

"Increasing investment in our core transportation networks is essential to turning the economy around," Teamsters general president Jim Hoffa said. "Infrastructure jobs, unlike those in other sectors, can't be outsourced. They improve living standards for workers and make it safer for those who use our transportation networks every day."