Biden hails bipartisan infrastructure package as 'once-in-a-generation' investment
President Biden on Saturday praised the passage of a bipartisan $1.2 trillion infrastructure package, saying he doesn't "think it's an exaggeration to suggest that we took a monumental step forward as a nation."
The bill cleared the Senate in August, and on Friday night, the House passed it as well with a 228-206 vote; 13 Republicans, mostly moderates, joined nearly all the Democrats in voting for it. The measure delivers on one of Biden's campaign promises to upgrade infrastructure in the United States, and will fund improvements to roads, bridges, passenger and freight rail, water systems, and the power grid in all 50 states.
This is a "once-in-a-generation" investment, Biden said, and "for all of you at home who feel left behind and forgotten in an economy that's changing so rapidly — this bill is for you. The vast majority of the thousands of jobs that will be created do not require a college degree. This is a blue collar blueprint to rebuild America, and it's long overdue."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The package provides the most significant investment in American bridges and roads in 70 years, passenger rail in 50 years, and public transit ever, Biden said, and a formal signing ceremony will be held "soon," as he wants to make sure the lawmakers who worked on the legislation can attend. Biden said he's ready to see the progress that will be made, and has "enormous faith in the ingenuity and in the integrity of the American people."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
-
Today's political cartoons - November 3, 2024
Cartoons Sunday's cartoons - presidential pitching, wavering convictions, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Why Man United finally lost patience with ten Hag
Talking Point After another loss United sacked ten Hag in hopes of success in the Champion's League
By The Week UK Published
-
Who are the markets backing in the US election?
Talking Point Speculators are piling in on the Trump trade. A Harris victory would come as a surprise
By The Week UK Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published