BFA endorses reintroduction of Building Civic Bridges Act to address polarization

With the bill’s reintroduction this week, Business for America (BFA) urges Congress to act swiftly to pass the Building Civic Bridges Act (BCBA)—a bipartisan effort to counter the toxic polarization threatening our country and our economy.

A renewed group of bipartisan cosponsors—Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Andy Barr (R-KY), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA)—has come together in 2025 to continue advancing this commonsense legislation. The BCBA would establish a national program to support civic bridgebuilding at the local level, empowering nonprofits, civic leaders, and faith-based organizations to foster dialogue, connection, and mutual understanding across divides in communities nationwide.

“Polarization is more than a political problem; it’s a business problem,” said Sarah Bonk, founder and CEO of Business for America. “This legislation empowers local leaders to tackle division at the roots, and we urge Congress to make it a priority in 2025.”

The business case is clear. Division and incivility are not just political problems—they are workplace problems. Research from SHRM shows that incivility costs U.S. businesses over $2 billion in lost productivity and absenteeism every day. A 2024 Gartner report ranked political polarization as the second most pressing emerging risk for American businesses. Leading teams through today’s polarization requires more than management—it demands cultural repair.

As employers, we believe in the value of collaborative workplaces and resilient communities. We experience the rising tension among colleagues, the escalating conflicts in our communities, and the strain on the civic institutions we rely on. While there is no single solution to polarization, the BCBA is a critical step in the right direction. The bill demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to bringing Americans together, despite their political differences.

We applaud the bill’s bipartisan leadership and urge every member of Congress to commit to its passage in 2025. American businesses have much to gain from a stronger civic culture—and much to lose if polarization continues unchecked. It’s time to invest in solutions that rebuild trust, foster respect, and strengthen the social fabric that underpins both our democracy and our economy.

To learn more and sign on in support of the BCBA, please visit bfa.us/bcba.