Carlo Scissura, president and CEO of the New York Building Congress, has a clear message for Congress and President-elect Trump: the work on building a stronger nation can’t stop now.

“As President-elect Donald Trump’s term begins, we pledge to work with congressional leadership on both sides of the aisle with the goal of uniting the country — metaphorically and literally,” Scissura states.

While the nation has made strides with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), signed by President Joe Biden, there’s still much more to be done. This bipartisan law allocated $1.2 trillion for crucial repairs and expansions across roads, bridges, water systems, public transportation, and broadband.

In states like New York, the IIJA has made a significant impact. “New York City recently announced that its Federal Infrastructure Funding Task Force secured more than $2.3 billion in grants to support upgrades to its infrastructure and prepare for the impacts of severe weather,” Scissura says. Nationwide, projects funded by the law are creating jobs, generating revenue, and fostering stronger community connections.

The construction industry continues to be a major driver of economic resilience. Scissura points out that “the construction industry remains one of the strongest paths to the middle class for thousands of American workers,” and with efforts like the IIJA, the workforce is recovering post-pandemic.

Now, Scissura calls for even greater investment. “A new infrastructure plan will boost our industry even more and help reach the new administration’s goal of championing manufacturing, infrastructure, and the workforce,” he adds. This new law could further propel economic growth, improve communities, and generate jobs.

“Nothing is more bipartisan than investing in the next generation and continuing to build the future we want here in America,” Scissura concludes. “Now is not the time to rest on our laurels; now is the time to cut through red tape, break out the shovels, and dig deep for consensus to build a stronger future.”

The push for additional infrastructure investment is critical for America’s future competitiveness, resilience, and economic vitality.