Photo from WWOK
Do you believe in miracles?
A group of Democratic and Republican Senators (including Arizona's Kyrsten Sinema) has concluded a bipartisan $1.2 trillion infrastructure deal that would provide much-needed funding to the nation's roads, bridges, railways, waterways, airports, and broadband.
Eureka!
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said earlier today (July 28, 2021) that a vote to advance the bill could come later this evening.
President Joe Biden has reportedly conveyed to Senator Sinema, whom he discussed the infrastructure package with yesterday as "excited."
On the package, the senior Arizona Senator, who was also the leading Democratic negotiator said:
"We do expect to move forward this evening. We're excited to have a deal. We've got most of the text done, so we'll be releasing it and then we'll update it as we get those last pieces finalized."
Ohio Senator Rob Portman, the leading Republican negotiator, relayed:
“We now have an agreement on the major issues. We are prepared to move forward.”
While most details remain to be publicized, it is known that $110 billion for roads, $65 billion for broadband, and $47 billion for environmental resiliency are part of the infrastructure package.
While this, if the vote goes well, is a potentially great development for the country and American People, much needs to still be done.
Namely, passing the $3.5 trillion Democratic budget reconciliation bill which will contain all the infrastructure (like clean energy) and social justice measures like expanding the child tax credit which many families are benefiting from, that Republicans have balked at supporting.
Earlier today, the Arizona Democratic Party released a sampling of Grand Canyon State political figures that support investments in infrastructure. These include Senators Sinema and Kelly, Mayors Romero, Gallego, and Giles, and Representative Stanton.
https://twitter.com/SenatorSinema/status/1420082809574723587?s=20
https://twitter.com/TucsonRomero/status/1415112025479421957
https://twitter.com/KateWGallego/status/1415081603173216258
https://twitter.com/MayorGiles/status/1415107731149656067?s=20
https://twitter.com/CaptMarkKelly/status/1417175437483003928?s=20
https://twitter.com/RepGregStanton/status/1415786333000327178?s=20
Hopefully, this infrastructure bill and the Democratic reconciliation plans will pass both houses of Congress.
The American People need Twenty-First Century clean energy and sustainable transportation, water, and information delivery system. They also need paid family leave, human care, and an extension of the child tax credit.
It is time for the United States to lead in innovation and social justice again. These bills will help accomplish that.
If only these same Republicans would work with the Democrats on protecting and expanding voting rights.
If only.
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