AMPP presses Congress on long-term infrastructure performance

By AI, Created 5:17 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – AMPP brought more than 40 members to Washington, D.C., this week to argue that infrastructure policy must focus on maintenance, standards and workforce readiness, not just new funding. The group held 54 meetings as Congress advances major bills covering pipelines, water systems and shipbuilding.

Why it matters: - Infrastructure spending does not deliver lasting results unless assets are maintained, standards are enforced, and trained workers are available. - Corrosion and material degradation can raise costs and reduce reliability across pipelines, water systems and maritime assets. - AMPP says those performance issues should be part of how Congress writes and implements infrastructure policy.

What happened: - The Association for Materials Protection and Performance brought professionals from the energy, water and maritime sectors to Washington, D.C., May 11–13 for Advocacy Days. - More than 40 attendees took part in the event. - Participants held 54 meetings with congressional offices, committee staff and federal agencies. - The meetings tied to the PIPES Act, the Water Resources Development Act and the SHIPS for America Act.

The details: - AMPP members focused on what happens after infrastructure is built. - The discussions covered how assets perform over time, how consistently standards are applied and whether enough trained professionals are available. - Kimberly-Joy Harris, chair of the AMPP Board of Directors, said the event helps connect technical expertise with policy decisions and keeps performance in the infrastructure conversation. - Kern Williams, AMPP manager of government relations, said advocacy helps connect field experience with both legislation and implementation. - Policymakers and staff discussed how corrosion and material degradation affect pipeline safety, water infrastructure, shipbuilding and defense. - AMPP says these issues can drive maintenance costs and affect reliability when they are not addressed early.

Between the lines: - Congress often focuses on funding first, but AMPP is pushing a broader definition of infrastructure success. - The group’s message is that lifecycle performance, not just project kickoff, determines whether public investment pays off. - Workforce shortages and inconsistent standards appear to be central pressure points across sectors.

What’s next: - AMPP plans to continue discussions as infrastructure legislation advances. - The group wants materials protection, standards and workforce considerations included in how policy is implemented. - More engagement with policymakers is likely as the PIPES Act, WRDA and SHIPS for America Act move forward.

The bottom line: - AMPP is trying to shift infrastructure policy from spending alone to long-term durability, safety and cost control. - More information: AMPP’s legislative agenda