Washington, DC - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson today voted for and applauded passage of the Small Business and Infrastructure Jobs Tax Act (H.R. 4849), which passed by a vote of 246 to178.

In addition to several other provisions, H.R. 4849 encourages private investment through the use of tax exempt bonds for public purpose water infrastructure projects. Specifically, the bill exempts Private Activity Bonds (PABs) for water and wastewater facilities from federally-mandated state volume caps. PABs are a form of tax-exempt financing that allows a government entity to meet a public need. Other infrastructure projects, such as airports, intercity high-speed rail, and solid waste disposal sites are already exempt from these bond caps.

“It is critical that we do everything possible to strengthen our nation’s water infrastructure,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “I am proud to support this bill – it will enhance our water infrastructure, create local jobs, and encourage private capital investment in our communities.”

It is anticipated that removing state volume caps on PABs for water and wastewater facilities will also reduce the cost of water projects; increase the number of water projects that communities initiate; improve our nation’s water infrastructure; and, encourage public-private partnerships.

H.R. 4849 now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

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U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure and a senior member of the Science Committee. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which, includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Oak Lawn, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, & South Oak Cliff; all of Balch Springs, DeSoto, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Ferris, Glenn Heights and Ovilla.