The National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) has endorsed the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026, which was introduced on September 30, 2026,by a bipartisan group of four U.S. senators and is supported by a broad coalition of labor leaders, energy producers, and nonprofit groups. The NRC provides the following statement of support:
The NRC supports the recently introduced Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026. The legislation overhauls the federal permitting process and environmental reviews for energy, infrastructure, and housing projects to deliver cheaper energy, more well-paying jobs, and responsible growth.
The Act addresses many of the concerns the NRC raised in testimony during two Capitol Hill hearings during 2025 and has voiced with legislators since then. It is a positive step forward in providing comprehensive permitting reform and greater certainty for infrastructure and energy projects that have already been permitted and financed.
Four U.S. senators drafted the legislation – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee; Mike Lee (R-Utah), Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee; Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the EPW Committee; and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the ENR Committee. We thank them for their leadership and collaboration with a diverse group of stakeholders and encourage support from other Members of Congress and rail-industry groups and companies.
About the NRC - The NRC is a U.S. trade association that advances the mutual interests of railway contractors and suppliers who construct, maintain and supply freight railroads and rail-transit and passenger lines. Founded in 1978, the NRC connects members with other railway industry professionals and government officials and policy makers. The NRC collaborates with its members, government, and industry leaders to create a positive business climate and to make railway construction and maintenance safer and more efficient.
The NRC scholarship was an important component of my undergraduate studies at St. Ambrose University. It enabled me to take an internship in physical therapy in Costa Rica the summer before my junior year. It was a rewarding experience that solidified my academic direction to become a Physical Therapist. Receiving the scholarship my senior year allowed me to reduce my working hours to focus more time on my academic studies.
Student, Future Doctorate of Physical Therapy Class of 2026
Progress Rail
