Leaders from two major construction trade associations expressed their anticipation for growth under the Trump administration, citing regulatory burdens and policies enacted during President Biden's term as obstacles to the industry's expansion. Despite the Biden administration's announcement of 1.6 million new construction and manufacturing jobs, industry representatives voiced concerns about missed opportunities under programs like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IJA), CHIPS and Science Act, Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Ben Brubeck, vice president of regulatory affairs for the Associated Builders and Contractors, highlighted low participation rates among association members in projects funded by these programs, attributing it to factors such as lengthy disbursement processes, burdensome permitting requirements, and labor policies like project labor agreements. Increased borrowing costs were also cited as a contributing factor to the slower-than-expected growth.

Brian Turmail, vice president of public affairs and workforce for the Associated General Contractors of America, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the impact of regulations and review processes on the effectiveness of Biden's construction investments. He criticized the administration's addition of "social and environmental rules" to funding, which he believes hindered progress. Turmail also pointed to new restrictions on semiconductor plant construction as a factor limiting growth.

Both Turmail and Brubeck expressed optimism about the construction sector's potential under the Trump administration, anticipating a surge in infrastructure construction as projects initiated during the Biden era finally overcome regulatory hurdles. They believe that federal contractors, currently sidelined from large-scale projects, will benefit from potential regulatory relief under Trump.

The White House did not provide a comment on these claims.