NOVEMBER 15, 2021–WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today is a landmark moment for the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
On November 5, 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, marking a historic bipartisan commitment to restore our nation’s infrastructure systems and invest in Black businesses across the nation. The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) applauds Congress for crafting this legislation – across party lines – that will direct funding towards much-needed investments in our nation’s transportation, water, and broadband infrastructure.
Ron Busby, President and CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers Inc. said the following about the passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act:
“The passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act represents a renewed and unprecedented commitment to the Black community writ large. This legislation will amplify opportunities for those in our community who need it most through increased and reliable broadband access and expanded opportunities for Black entrepreneurs to grow and scale their business through the newly codified Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). We at the U.S. Black Chambers welcome this investment in America’s Black communities, and we look forward to the ways in which Congress will serve the American people by investing in human capital and infrastructure for FY22.”
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will help modernize American infrastructure, including broadband, and will create expanded growth and job opportunities for Black-owned companies and businesses nationwide. Moreover, the MBDA, with its newly codified status, will continue its great work of investing in the growth and development of Black businesses across our 50 states. With its new status, the MBDA will gain a multitude of opportunities to scale up their capacity and expand the impact already felt by minority-owned businesses across America. The USBC thanks the White House for its efforts in achieving such monumental progress through the infrastructure package and urges Congress and the White House to continue fighting for increased spending towards human infrastructure through the Build Back Better framework.