Your advocacy is working! The Senate-passed bipartisan infrastructure package (H.R. 3684) includes some important policies to improve the energy-efficiency and resilience of America's buildings. Click here to learn more about the building-sector specific policies in the bill and here to view the full bill.

This is a positive step forward, but there is much more to do. Why?

First, because it might not become law. The House of Representatives may not pass this bill unless Congress hears from their constituents. They will not vote on the bill until after they return from recess in late September.

Second, because additional investment in buildings is critically needed. H.R. 3684 is only the first of two infrastructure bills that Congress will consider this year—and the second bill still needs to be written. America's building stock currently produces roughly 40% of greenhouse gas emissions. Millions of homes, civic centers, and hospitals are at high-risk for flooding, earthquakes, fires, and other disasters. Over 50% of school districts report significant maintenance backlogs, some severe enough to impact student and teacher health.

This may be the best opportunity in a generation to upgrade the nation's critical buildings with significant investment in schools, hospitals, civic centers, and affordable housing.

It is likely that the second bill will advance through a process known as Budget Reconciliation with only Democratic-member support. However, AIA believes that investing in high-performing buildings should not be partisan. Members of Congress from both parties should hear from architects about the importance of building infrastructure.

Contact your Member of the U.S. House of Representatives to urge them to support investments in the building sector in BOTH infrastructure bills Congress will consider this year. Click here to read the suggested letter and submit it to your Representatives in Congress.

This message was originally distributed by the AIA Government Advocacy Committee.