The House could vote on final passage of the bipartisan infrastructure package as early as this evening, with a handful of Republicans expected to join Democrats in supporting the bill. However, some members of the House Progressive Caucus continue to push back against holding a vote on the bill before knowing whether the Senate will pass the separate Build Back Better reconciliation proposal. This disagreement could lead House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to delay the final vote to ensure enough support for final passage.
If passed, the infrastructure deal would be the largest transportation project ever approved by the U.S. government, totaling $1.1 trillion. The legislation includes:
- $65 billion to expand high-speed internet access
- $110 billion for roads, bridges and other projects
- $25 billion for airports
- The most funding for Amtrak since its founding
- Renewing and revamping existing infrastructure and transportation programs set to expire at the end of September
This investment would be financed through a series of potential options, including unused COVID relief funds, 5G spectrum auctions, and customer user fees.
Reliable and modern infrastructure is vital to the hotel industry because it facilitates travel, commerce and American competitiveness. This package would go a long way toward achieving those ends, but it comes at a steep cost. The bill would terminate the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) three months early. Many hotels and their employees are counting on this program — especially given lingering COVID-19 concerns and the negative economic impact they are having on hotels. While we strongly support investment in our nation’s infrastructure, struggling hotel employees and small businesses should not be forced to bear that cost.
