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National Infrastructure Bank Act of 2023
3/7/2024, 5:45 AM
Summary of Bill HR 4052
The bill outlines the structure and functions of the National Infrastructure Bank, including its governance, funding mechanisms, and eligibility criteria for receiving loans or grants. It also specifies the types of projects that would be eligible for funding, as well as the criteria for prioritizing projects based on their economic, environmental, and social impact.
One key aspect of the bill is the emphasis on promoting sustainable and resilient infrastructure development, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change. The National Infrastructure Bank would also prioritize projects that create jobs, promote economic growth, and address disparities in infrastructure investment across different regions of the country. Overall, the National Infrastructure Bank Act of 2023 aims to address the critical need for investment in the nation's infrastructure, while also promoting sustainability, resilience, and economic growth. It is currently being debated in Congress, with supporters arguing that it would create jobs, stimulate economic development, and improve the quality of life for all Americans.
Congressional Summary of HR 4052
National Infrastructure Bank Act of 2023
This bill creates the National Infrastructure Bank to facilitate the long-term financing of infrastructure projects.
Specifically, the bank must provide loans to entities—including states, public utilities, and public-private partnerships—for financing, developing, or operating eligible infrastructure projects. An eligible project must have a public sponsor as well as local, regional, or national significance.
The bill treats the bank as a government corporation exempt from tax and treats contributions to the bank as charitable contributions.
The bill also provides for criteria and preferences for deciding whether to provide a loan, such as whether a project promotes job creation or provides environmental benefits.
The bank shall issue stock and may also issue bonds and maintain a discount line of credit with the Federal Reserve System.
The bank must apply for a national bank charter and, once chartered, accept deposits from individuals, corporations, public entities, or any other source and pay interest on those deposits.
The bill imposes requirements related to the bank's operation, such as minimum reserve requirements and requirements for handling loan losses.
In addition, the bank must facilitate the organization of at least seven regional economic accelerator planning groups to, among other activities, identify infrastructure needs and priorities.
Within five years, the Government Accountability Office must report on the bank's activities.
