ABC Welcomes Permitting Reform Bill, Urges Senate Passage

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14-Associated Builders and Contractors today issued a letter of support for S. 5653, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026. ABC urged the U.S. Senate to quickly pass the legislation, which includes reforms that ABC has long sought for the construction industry and would also benefit taxpayers, communities and owners.

"The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act's comprehensive and balanced reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act and the Clean Water Act would address bureaucratic and procedural inefficiencies that deter and delay development," said Kristen Swearingen, ABC vice president of government affairs. "By streamlining reviews, increasing transparency and setting clearer timelines, the legislation would create a more predictable permitting process that helps contractors plan work, invest in their workforce and deliver housing, infrastructure and other critical projects while continuing to protect the environment.

"ABC applauds Senate Environment and Public Works Committee leaders Sens. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., and Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee leaders Sens. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. for reaching this bipartisan agreement," Swearingen said. "The Senate must now pass this important permitting reform bill to help contractors put people to work and deliver the projects communities need."