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HR 216

A resolution urging Congress to support a National Infrastructure Bank as embodied in H.R. 5356 or equivalent legislation.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Julie Brixie and 18 co-sponsors

Urges Congress to establish a federally chartered National Infrastructure Bank to finance major projects without new taxes or federal appropriations.

referred to Committee on Government Operations
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Bill Summary · HR 216

Summary — H.R. 216 (resolution urging Congress to support a National Infrastructure Bank)

Status: Introduced Jan 7, 2025; referred to committee (see Procedural section)
Type: House Resolution (non‑binding)
Primary purpose: Urge the U.S. Congress to support creation of a National Infrastructure Bank as embodied in H.R. 5356 (or equivalent federal legislation).

Purpose and intent

The resolution expresses the legislative body’s formal support for establishing a federally chartered National Infrastructure Bank (as proposed in federal H.R. 5356). It frames the bank as a tool to close large, persistent infrastructure funding gaps, finance major projects (roads, bridges, schools, water systems, affordable housing, broadband, rail and transit), create jobs, and promote economic growth—without new federal taxes or direct new baseline federal spending.

Key findings and rationale included in the resolution

  • Cites the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 2021 report card assigning a C− to U.S. infrastructure and identifying a roughly $2.5 trillion investment gap; projects large future economic losses if underinvestment continues.
  • Summarizes specific state examples (e.g., Michigan): ~33% of paved roadways rated poor; ~11% of bridges structurally deficient; 300,000–500,000 lead water service lines with only ~50,000 replaced; estimated state replacement costs of up to ~$5 billion.
  • Notes housing shortages (example: ~141,000 unit shortage statewide) and dilapidated school facilities (example: Detroit schools).
  • Describes H.R. 5356 as proposing a $5 trillion public bank capitalized through existing Treasury debt instruments (modeled on earlier national/public banks) that would issue loans for infrastructure projects without requiring new federal taxes or appropriations.

Specific provisions (as described)

  • The resolution itself does not create programs or funding; it:
    • Urges Congress to enact a National Infrastructure Bank consistent with H.R. 5356 or similar legislation.
    • Requests that copies of the resolution be transmitted to the President, the Governor, and the state’s congressional delegation.

Who would be affected

  • Directly: federal legislative and executive decision‑makers (Congress, President) as the resolution is a request to federal policymakers.
  • Indirectly: state and local governments, school districts, utilities, transportation agencies, construction and manufacturing sectors, and communities affected by deficient infrastructure (including those impacted by lead service lines, poor roads, and housing shortages).

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Introduced Jan 7, 2025. The package of legislative actions in the record shows committee referrals and several adoption/enrollment steps in March–May 2025; the resolution directs transmission of copies to federal and state officials.
  • As a resolution (non‑binding), it does not itself establish funding or legal authority; its effect is to signal political support and to influence federal policy deliberations concerning H.R. 5356 or similar bills.

Impact and limitations

  • Impact: Adds an official endorsement at the state legislative level for a federal National Infrastructure Bank, contributing to broader advocacy and possibly influencing congressional consideration.
  • Limitation: Symbolic — it does not create money, change federal law, or obligate state resources. Actual creation and operation of a National Infrastructure Bank would require separate federal legislation and implementation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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