The resolution urges Congress to pass House Resolution 5356 (H.R.5356), which proposes the establishment of a national infrastructure bank to address the urgent need for investment in American infrastructure. The American Society of Civil Engineers has highlighted a requirement of nearly $6 trillion over the next decade for infrastructure improvements, as much of the existing infrastructure is aging and increasingly strained by extreme weather events. In New Jersey, where a significant portion of the infrastructure is outdated, 22 percent of roads are in poor or fair condition, and many bridges are structurally deficient. The resolution emphasizes that the current funding mechanisms are inadequate for large-scale infrastructure projects, which are essential for economic vitality, national security, and public safety.
The proposed national infrastructure bank would function similarly to a commercial bank, generating capital through the trading of U.S. Treasury Bonds and providing loans to state and local governments. This model has been successfully utilized by other nations and was historically employed in the U.S. during times of need. The resolution asserts that without a dedicated and nonpartisan funding mechanism, the ability to address critical infrastructure needs will be severely limited, hindering economic growth and quality of life for Americans. The resolution calls for immediate action to ensure that the U.S. remains competitive in the global economy and can effectively manage its infrastructure challenges.