ICYMI: Biden-Harris Administration Touts Bipartisan Infrastructure Investments & Economic Wins For Working Families
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 5, 2023
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ICYMI: BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION TOUTS BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS & ECONOMIC WINS FOR WORKING FAMILIES
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, we’re celebrating the ways the president’s economic plan is delivering for working Americans – including through historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investments. President Biden, joined by a bipartisan group of federal, state and local leaders yesterday, announced more than $2 billion in funding for Brent Spence Bridge, which connects Kentucky and Ohio and is the second-worst truck bottleneck in the country. For decades, elected officials have called for funding to tackle this key transportation hub – but under President Biden’s leadership, money is heading to the ground to get it done.
Vice President Harris touted similar investments to repair and upgrade bridges in Chicago, including by adding bike lanes and sidewalks, and Secretary Buttigieg was in Connecticut to highlight funding for Gold Star Memorial Bridge. These projects underscore the broad impact of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is rebuilding roads and bridges, replacing lead pipes, expanding access to high-speed internet, and making America more competitive in the 21st century.
See more coverage of the historic investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to boost our economy and improve the lives of working Americans:
President Biden in Kentucky:
NYT: Biden Promotes Compromise at a Moment of Republican Chaos in Washington
President Biden on Wednesday embraced his reputation for compromise and cooperation at a moment of peak Republican chaos in the House, celebrating a vital new bridge alongside the Republican senator who has long vowed to block his agenda.
[…] For Mr. Biden, the contrast was a perfect way to hammer home what he has long presented as his value and expertise: a willingness to embrace bipartisanship, even if that means working with politicians like Mr. McConnell, whose values and priorities often diverge from the president’s.
Reuters: Biden, McConnell Kentucky event is a roadmap for White House under new Congress
As hardline Republicans create turmoil in the House of Representatives by blocking the rest of the party’s chosen leader, Kevin McCarthy, Biden and McConnell’s visit painted a sharp contrast – and that’s just what Biden aides and allies are hoping for.
“We disagree on a lot of things but here’s what matters: He’s a man of his word,” Biden said. “It sends an important message to the entire country: we can work together. We can get things done. We can move the nation forward if we just drop a little bit of our egos and focus on what is needed for the country.”
CNN: Situation Room With Wolf Blitzer
“President Biden is kicking off 2023 with a searing contrast. While House Republicans are still squabbling over their choice for Speaker, Biden is taking a major victory lap with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell at his side, showing what can get done when Democrats and Republicans work together.”
Vice President Harris In Chicago:
ABC7: Vice President Kamala Harris speaks in Chicago on infrastructure plan
“At these bridges, we will build dedicated bicycle lanes and better sidewalks so that people in South Deering and East side can walk or bike to work instead of drive if they wish, which saves them money and is better for our planet,” Harris said. “We will eliminate load limits for truck and improve the bridge raise process so that more boats can carry goods up and down this river and so businesses can ship more products to more markets.”
WGN9: Vice President Kamala Harris visits Chicago to celebrate bipartisan infrastructure law
Chicago is set to get $144 million in grant funds under the bipartisan infrastructure law to help rehabilitate four bridges crossing the Calumet River. Harris lauded the financial package the law will provide. “The largest investment in our roads and bridges in 70 years of America’s history,” Harris said. “For decades there’s been an underinvestment in our infrastructure, which caused Americans to feel the consequences in ways big or small.”
AM 1690 WVON
“The VP was in town yesterday to speak about Biden’s economic plan, which includes rebuilding infrastructure, revitalizing communities and creating good jobs that don’t require college degrees. ‘When we invest in our infrastructure, we invest in our economy. We invest in America’s future.’ During Harris’ visit, it was announced that $144 million in federal funding was awarded to the city to rehabilitate the Illinois International Port Calumet River Bridges.”
Secretary Buttigieg In Connecticut:
CT Insider: CT’s largest bridge is set for a $158 million facelift over next six years
The bridges are two of four projects nationwide boosted by the federal infrastructure law passed last year, along with the Brent Spence Bridge in Kentucky and a series of four bridges in Chicago. The Connecticut bridge is now set for a $158 million project that will extend until 2029. To celebrate the funding, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg visited New London on Wednesday to get an up close look at the bridge that spans the Thames River.
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