The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is urging Congress to pass a bipartisan infrastructure bill in 2019.
Earlier this month, AEM launched a $100,000 digital marketing campaign that ran through Dec. 14. The campaign, a 30-second video, featured a Democrat, a Republican and an independent discussing the importance of modern highways, broadband technology, and clean drinking water.
“We’re trying to show that’s it’s not a partisan issue,” AEM President Dennis Slater said. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from, what your job is, what your politics are. A good transportation system and investing in infrastructure will help on so many different levels.”
In February, President Donald Trump released a plan to generate at least $1.5 trillion in infrastructure investment over a decade, but the plan has not received much attention in Congress.
In late November, Morning Consult conducted an online poll on behalf of AEM. The poll of 1,945 registered voters revealed 68 percent of respondents said infrastructure investment played an important factor in their midterm election decisions, and more than 50 percent said infrastructure investment would create jobs and make commutes safer.
The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association supported the campaign, stating that the new Congress in January is time for a fresh start.