If you have been an avid reader or subscriber of my website, you might have noticed a few months ago that I wrote a blog about the negotiations involving the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Bill. In August, Senators passed the bill by a 69-30 margin, and just this past week, the House of Representatives passed the bill by a 228-206 vote.
What impacts does the bill have on American transportation? Many, in fact. For starters, $39 billion will be allocated toward public transit and is supposed to improve accessibility for disabled Americans as well as reduce carbon emissions. $110 billion is expected to fund bridges, roads, and “major projects'' (White House). Moreover, the bill will provide increased funding for Amtrak, one of the largest train companies in America and Canada.
The basis of the infrastructure bill can be explained by Biden’s agenda of making the United States more environmentally friendly. While Biden is not the sole reason that the infrastructure bill has been ratified, he has been a driving force for its approval, negotiating with both houses of Congress on its price. Whether it be managing wastewater, expanding electric vehicle charging stations, or modernizing airports, Biden’s ambitions of trying to protect the environment may succeed.
Although I have a few doubts about the large-scale repercussions that could arise from this historic bill, one of the lessons learned is that Democrats and Republicans can work together. There are not that many instances in which both sides agree on legislation, but in the Senate, nineteen Republicans voted in favor of it.
Should we be celebrating this mostly bipartisan agreement or criticizing its large amount of spending? Comment below or visit my instagram page @thatpoliticalkid and post your response.
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