A bipartisan infrastructure plan in Congress is gaining support.
A group of Senators working on a compromise has now doubled in size, expanding to 21 members. That includes 11 Republicans and 10 Democrats.
The lawmakers have signed onto a framework for a $579 billion package. The proposed legislation would still need support from nearly all 50 democrats in the Senate, unless more republicans sign on.
AgDay Host Clinton Griffiths spoke with U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh about what he’s hearing in Washington regarding the negotiations.
“I’ve had very good conversations,” Walsh told AgDay. “When you talk to people, Republicans and Democrats, there’s no one that says this bill outright is terrible, but they’re concerned about certain aspects of the bill. The bill is too much or not enough, but that’s what negotiations are all about. It’s about having conversations, and the President is obviously very focused and dedicated, spent many hours meeting with members of the Senate and members of Congress. I’ve spent a lot of time, and the other secretaries, quite honestly, have spent a lot of time, as well, talking to people and advocacy groups. So i’m encouraged that we’re going to get a bill that’s going to be a good bill.”
According to a draft proposal, the plan would include $312 billion for roads, bridges, public transit, and other transportation projects. It also includes along with $266 billion for power, broadband, water, and other types of infrastructure.
The new spending would be paid for through public-private partnerships, increased IRS tax enforcement, repurposing unused COVID-19 relief funds, and indexing the gas tax to inflation.
