I am contacting you today to talk about the safety and viability of our nation’s infrastructure. As you may know, this week is National Infrastructure Week, where we recognize the importance of improving our nation’s infrastructure and keeping it safe for future generations to come. From highways and bridges to our digital infrastructure, keeping America’s infrastructure safe and effective is critical for all Iowans.
In an effort to boost the safety and sustainability of Iowa’s infrastructure, create jobs, and improve Iowa’s economy, I proudly introduced the Renewable Fuel Utilization, Expansion and Leadership (Re-FUEL) Act. This legislation invests in renewable and alternative fuel infrastructure by creating new or retrofitting existing infrastructure, including pumps for biofuels and hydrogen, tanks, piping, and electric vehicle charges.
As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I also worked to help pass out of committee the bipartisan Pipeline Safety Act. This legislation reauthorizes the Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) programs under the Pipeline Safety Act. Ensuring the safety of our nation’s pipelines is critical to keeping the environment and our communities safe.
Another priority of mine has been working to expand broadband to all Iowans, especially in rural areas. Like electricity and in-door plumbing, telecommunications has become a necessity in our lives. Unfortunately, many folks in rural America still lack basic broadband infrastructure. In order to allow small internet service providers (ISPs) to focus on expanding broadband networks, I helped author the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act. This legislation will help small internet providers focus their resources on deploying broadband and making sure families and businesses throughout Iowa are connected to the internet. I’m proud to say that this legislation passed unanimously in the House of Representatives.
As we celebrate National Infrastructure Week, I look forward to focusing on innovative ways that we can make our nation’s infrastructure as safe as possible.
Sincerely,
Dave LoebsackIowa's Second District
