House Passes Social & Environmental Reconciliation Package, Now Considered by Senate

What happened: Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives Nov. 19 passed a $1.9 trillion social spending package, primarily offset with tax increases on large corporations and wealthy individuals. It includes spending for childcare, early childhood education, elder care, and energy and environmental programs aimed at mitigating climate change.

Why it matters: The bill also includes $10 billion for high-speed rail improvements and $10 billion for transit programs, with additional spending for other climate-focused infrastructure work. In addition to the tax increases, the legislation proposes potential changes to labor laws that would increase fines to employers for workplace and employment violations.

What’s next: Further negotiations and changes are likely as the Senate considers the reconciliation package, which requires 50 votes, plus the support of the vice president, to pass. With Democrats in control of both legislative chambers and the White House, the bill is likely to be enacted in some form, though perhaps scaled back from the House version. ARTBA will advocate to advance provisions that bolster infrastructure investment and mitigate those with negative impacts to the transportation construction industry.