WASHINGTON, April 22—Associated Builders and Contractors today released the following statement in reaction to the Republican lawmakers’ infrastructure framework:

“Enhancing global competitiveness and creating jobs should be the cornerstones of any plan to modernize our crumbling roads, bridges, schools and utilities,” said Michael Bellaman, president and CEO of ABC. “The Republican infrastructure framework would serve the American public well, as it focuses on safety, national security and resiliency.

“While the Republican plan to finance infrastructure lacks specifics, small businesses that suffered through the 2020 recession will be relieved that their tax burden will not increase under this framework, and they can continue to create jobs and drive America’s economic recovery under the beneficial provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

“It is good to see that the framework is based on key principles that would help ensure that America’s taxpayers get maximum value from the proposed $568 billion in investments. These include expediting the permitting process, reducing regulatory burdens and embracing technology and innovation, all of which can cut costs and improve productivity to deliver more infrastructure projects for each dollar spent.”