The Vermont House of Representatives has introduced a joint resolution urging Congress to enact H.R. 5356, known as The National Infrastructure Bank Act of 2025. This resolution highlights the critical state of the nation's infrastructure, as assessed by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), which awarded a grade of C overall and identified a staggering funding shortfall of over $9 trillion needed by 2033. Specifically, Vermont's infrastructure received similar grades, with alarming projections indicating that over 60% of the state's roads could fall into poor condition by 2031 without increased investment. The resolution also addresses the pressing issue of homelessness in Vermont, which has surged significantly due to a lack of affordable housing.

H.R. 5356 aims to establish a National Infrastructure Bank (NIB) that would provide up to $5 trillion in direct loans and financing for qualifying infrastructure projects without imposing additional federal taxes or deficits. The proposed bank is modeled after historical banking institutions and is designed to support a wide range of projects, including broadband expansion, road and bridge repairs, water system renovations, and affordable housing construction. The resolution has garnered support from various state legislatures and organizations, emphasizing the need for enhanced infrastructure financing to address the nation's and Vermont's pressing needs. The Vermont General Assembly calls on Congress to take action on this critical legislation and directs the Secretary of State to communicate this resolution to key stakeholders, including the Governor and the Vermont Congressional Delegation.