Economy & Jobs
As the economy continues to recover from the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important we invest in our workers, infrastructure, supply chains and education system to ensure New Hampshire’s economy remains competitive both at home and abroad. Senator Shaheen has played a pivotal role in securing resources for New Hampshire’s entrepreneurs and workers – helping to grow our economy equitably.
Rebuilding Infrastructure in New Hampshire and Beyond
Shaheen was a lead negotiator of the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the bipartisan infrastructure law. This legislation provides a $550 billion investment in our nation’s core infrastructure priorities – including roads and bridges, rail, transit, ports, airports, the electric grid, water systems and broadband. This is the largest investment into our nation’s infrastructure since President Eisenhower created the Interstate Highway System. The Senator worked to include key energy efficiency provisions in the infrastructure law, including provisions to help improve energy efficiency across a variety of sectors, from commercial and residential buildings to manufacturing. She also led negotiations for key provisions that address high-speed internet expansion and cybersecurity, as well as measures to improve our water infrastructure which includes record-level investments to address PFAS in our water supplies. To read more about Senator Shaheen’s work to negotiate the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, click here.
Inspiring Innovation to Keep America Competitive
Through her leadership on the Senate Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Shaheen has been a strong advocate for STEM education and scientific research funding priorities. Senator Shaheen is one of the lead congressional advocates for policies that will tap into the innovative spirit of New Hampshire. Senator Shaheen was a strong supporter of the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act of 2022. The historic legislation develops U.S. policy to address strategic, economic and diplomatic tools for a global strategy that will allow the United States to confront the challenges that China poses to the United States. The comprehensive package invests in scientific research and microchips that are key to the economy and military, as well as strengthens domestic manufacturing and the supply chain.
In the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, Shaheen secured inclusion of language based on her bipartisan Supporting STEM Learning Opportunities Act to allow funds to support research and development of innovative STEM educational programming, including afterschool and other outside-of-the-classroom activities. This language seeks to improve federal investment in experiential learning opportunities to strengthen the pipeline of students entering the STEM workforce, especially from traditionally underrepresented groups like women and communities of color. As part of the fiscal year 2023 government funding law, Senator Shaheen secured a more than a $1 billion increase for the National Science Foundation, including funding to carry out this work.
Increasing New Hampshire’s Role in the Global Market
Today, 96 percent of the world's consumers live outside the United States, yet less than one percent of small businesses export. Increasing exports is an effective way to spur growth, encourage investment and create jobs in our state.
Senator Shaheen has long supported trade agreements and programs that increase opportunities and growth for New Hampshire businesses. She was the first New Hampshire Governor to lead a trade delegation outside of North America. As a U.S. Senator and senior member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Shaheen has undertaken several initiatives to connect businesses with federal resources that can enable exporting, such as the Export-Import Bank.
Shaheen helped create the State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant program to assist small businesses looking to take advantage of emerging global marketplaces. In addition, she recently introduced the Increasing American Jobs through Greater Exports to Africa Act to force better coordination between U.S. government agencies and departments, establish comprehensive strategic goals and marshal private investments to increase U.S. exports to Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.
