11.07.2026 Infrastructure
Pass BAAJA: The Landmark Affordability Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 7, 2026) — Voters have sent an unmistakable message: Congress needs to deliver on affordability.
They will have an opportunity to do just that, this week, when the Senate begins considering The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 (BAAJA, S. 5653), the comprehensive federal permitting reform bill introduced by Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R‑WV), Mike Lee (R‑UT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D‑RI), and Martin Heinrich (D‑NM).
Arnold Ventures applauds the efforts of negotiators to further strengthen the bill through the recently released manager’s amendment. If passed, BAAJA will be a major step toward building the infrastructure America needs, strengthening our electric grid, and lowering costs for all Americans, which is why it is supported by businesses, labor, environmental groups, and advocates across the political spectrum. We urge Congress to pass it swiftly.
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Arnold Ventures is a philanthropy that supports research to understand the root causes of America’s most persistent and pressing problems, as well as evidence-based solutions to address them. By focusing on systemic change and bipartisan policy reforms, AV works to improve the lives of American families, strengthen communities, and promote economic opportunity.
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