WASHINGTON, D.C., June 26, 2026 — Common Sense America (CSA) President and Founder Steve Crim issued a statement in honor of National Interstate Highway Day on June 26.
“The Interstate Highway System stands as one of the most transformative infrastructure investments in American history, connecting communities and supercharging economic growth across the country. While that legacy is felt every day, decades of underinvestment have taken a serious toll, with 39% of major U.S. roads in poor or mediocre condition.
“Revitalizing America’s highways will require new investments paired with smart procurement policies, beginning with the cement that forms the foundation of our roads. The U.S. requires 31.1 million metric tons of cement each year to build and repair highways, streets, and bridges, yet America is currently experiencing declining cement production, leaving critical infrastructure projects reliant on foreign imports.”
“America has the potential to build great infrastructure, but targeted policies are needed to encourage a new Golden Age of construction. Congress can start by including purchasing preferences for American-made cement in the Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill, ensuring the next generation of highways, bridges, and roads is built on a reliable domestic supply chain.”
American Foundations Bridge Fact Sheet
American Foundations recently released a fact sheet on the state of bridges in the U.S., which found that one in three U.S. bridges requires repair or total replacement. While iron and steel used to develop American bridges fall under Build America, Buy America preferences, cement does not, creating a vulnerability in supply chain procurement.
About American Foundations
American Foundations, a project of Common Sense America, is committed to ensuring that our nation’s infrastructure is built on strong, reliable cement — made right here at home. Learn more at: strongamericanfoundations.org.
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