DeFazio touts benefits of infrastructure plan

From Transport Topics.

President Joe Biden’s $2.25 trillion infrastructure proposal would address environmental concerns and enhance the business landscape nationwide, said the top transportation policymaker in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Further, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters April 6, the president expects Congress to advance an infrastructure measure. “He won’t tolerate inaction on rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, something that has long been outdated,” Psaki said.

Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), chairman of the transportation panel, is among the congressional Democrats touting the president’s comprehensive plan. He is expected to kick off debate on surface transportation policy in the coming weeks.

“We can rebuild it, give ourselves a 21st-century system resilient to climate change and severe weather events, sea level rise, and we can also deal with fossil fuel pollution; and help people with their daily lives in terms of their commutes and help American business be more competitive in the world,” DeFazio told MSNBC on April 4.

“This is not just once-in-a-generation. It [has] been, you know, more than a generation since we’ve tackled this problem,” he continued.

Members of Congress return to Washington from their Easter recess April 12. House Democrats say they intend to legislate on the infrastructure proposal next month. Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) singled out DeFazio to help lead the effort. As she put it, referring to the transportation chairman: “Our hopes are riding on you.”

See the complete article online at Transport Topics.