The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN SUPPORT OF THE SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 3684 INFRASTRUCTURE
INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT
_____
HON. SUZANNE BONAMICI
of oregon
in the house of representatives
Friday, November 5, 2021
Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) gives the overall infrastructure in the United States a dismal C- rating--and many of ASCE's scoring categories, including roads, waterways, levees, transit, and wastewater, score lower than the nation's overall average. Our national infrastructure is crumbling, outdated, and in urgent need of significant upgrades. Additionally, the largest source of energy-
related carbon dioxide emissions in the country comes from the transportation sector, which disproportionately affects low-income communities and communities of color. Though this legislation leaves out many of the crucial climate provisions in the House-passed INVEST in America Act, it still represents a robust and meaningful investment in a more connected and resilient nation.
The IIJA makes overdue investments in our nation's transportation sector. IIJA provides $110 billion for roads, bridges, and major projects, and makes some notable investments in clean transportation by providing more than $20 billion for electric vehicle charging infrastructure--the single largest federal investment of its kind in history. These investments are necessary, because 43 percent of public roadways are in poor condition, 40 percent of the 600,000 bridges in the United States are at least 50 years old, and more than one-third of all bridges need repairs. In addition, the IIJA includes over $16 billion for waterway and coastal projects, including $2.25 billion for the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), which supports investments in projects to upgrade and modernize ports. Coastal communities like mine in Oregon understand how important these investments are to maintain and expand ports as hubs for commerce, employment, and transportation.
Widespread and dependable public transit systems are necessary to create more equitable communities and reduce carbon emissions. Public transportation provides communities with affordable commuting options that facilitate access to employment, school and daycare, vital health care services, and more. The Department of Transportation reports that nearly half of the total carbon footprint of the typical American family with two cars comes from car transportation. The IIJA provides more than $39 billion to support public transit, which will help reduce congestion and carbon emissions. This investment is estimated to support repairs for more than 24,000 buses, 5,000 rail cars, and thousands of miles of tracks, all of which will help connect communities and support emissions reductions. The bill also includes $5 billion for low- and zero-emission buses--including school buses--which will help cut emissions that hurt vulnerable communities and students.
Climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of severe weather events like the fires, heatwaves, and droughts that the Pacific Northwest has experienced over the last year. We must improve our nation's infrastructure to withstand and protect people and property from these extreme weather events. The IIJA includes $65 billion for power and grid infrastructure resilience and expansion. This includes funding to support efforts to harden the electric grid against disruptive weather events, as well as funding to promote innovative demonstration projects that will improve grid resilience. The legislation also provides more than $3 billion for wildfire risk reduction efforts, including funding for firefighting resources, and $3 billion for the U.S. Forest Service to implement ecosystem restoration projects that can help minimize the spread of wildfires.
Though broadband access has steadily inclined for the overall population, Americans who are non-white, less educated, lower income, and residents of rural communities disproportionately have limited broadband access. The 19 million Americans that lack access to consistent, quality broadband, may have greater difficulty realizing certain employment, educational, and social opportunities. To help remedy this disparity, the IIJA invests $65 billion for broadband investment, including funding for state grants, additional support for rural communities and Tribes, and support to accelerate broadband uptake through digital literacy training.
By making crucial investments in our nation's infrastructure, this bill will create new, good-paying jobs and will help support our nation through the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. It represents a significant commitment toward a more connected and resilient nation, and I applaud the House and Senate for passage of this historic legislation.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 195
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
House Representatives' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
Alerts Sign-up