← Back to Acts

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)

2021

Pub. L. 117–58

πŸ“Œ Link to the Text of the Act

Read the statute (Public Law 117–58)

πŸ“Œ Why It Was Done

The IIJA was enacted to provide historic investments in U.S. infrastructure, including transportation, clean energy, water systems, and broadband internet, with the goal of modernizing the nation’s core systems and creating jobs.

πŸ“Œ Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights

Infrastructure had been funded piecemeal through highway and transportation bills. The IIJA consolidated and expanded federal commitments across multiple sectors, similar in scale to New Deal–era public works programs.

πŸ“Œ Overreach or Proper Role?

Supporters hailed it as a bipartisan win for modernization. Critics questioned the size of spending, potential inefficiencies, and the addition to the national debt.

πŸ“Œ Who or What It Controls

  • β€’
    Federal and state governments (receive funding for infrastructure projects)
  • β€’
    Local governments (grants for transportation, water, and energy systems)
  • β€’
    Private sector contractors and industries (major role in implementation)
  • β€’
    Citizens (benefit from upgraded roads, internet, and utilities)

πŸ“Œ Key Sections / Citations

  • β€’
    Transportation funding: Highways, bridges, rail, and airports
  • β€’
    Broadband expansion: Billions for rural internet access
  • β€’
    Clean energy and grid modernization: Investments in EV charging and renewable energy
  • β€’
    Water infrastructure: Lead pipe replacement and safe drinking water programs

πŸ“Œ Recent Changes or Live Controversies

  • β€’
    Implementation underway, with funds rolling out over multiple years
  • β€’
    Debates about permitting delays, state-level distribution, and environmental reviews
  • β€’
    Tension between IIJA projects and Inflation Reduction Act (2022) climate provisions

πŸ“Œ Official Sources