Credit: Sarah Silbiger/Pool/Sipa USA
Joe Biden Speaks to Reporters Outside West Wing on Infrustructure Negotiations
Washington (AP) — President Joe Biden declared on Thursday that “we have a deal,” announcing a bipartisan agreement on a $953 billion infrastructure plan that would achieve his top legislative priority and validate his efforts to reach across the political aisle.
Biden made a surprise appearance in front of the cameras with members of a group of senators, Republicans and Democrats, after an agreement was reached at the White House. Details of the deal were scarce to start, but the pared-down plan, with $559 billion in new spending, has rare bipartisan backing and could open the door to the president’s more sweeping $4 trillion proposals later on.
I’ve said many times before: that there is nothing we can’t do when we come together as one nation.
Today’s bipartisan infrastructure framework is the latest example of that truth.
— President Biden (@POTUS) June 24, 2021
This bipartisan agreement represents the largest investment in public transit in American history. The largest investment in rail since the creation of Amtrak. It will deliver high speed internet to every American home and replace 100% of our nation’s lead pipes.
— President Biden (@POTUS) June 24, 2021
This deal makes key investments to put people to work in good-paying jobs building transmission lines and upgrading our power grid, installing electric vehicle charging stations, and undertaking critical environmental clean-ups.
— President Biden (@POTUS) June 24, 2021
“This reminds me of the days when we used to get an awful lot done up in the United States Congress,” said Biden, a former Delaware senator, putting his hand on the shoulder of a stoic-looking Republican Sen. Rob Portman.
Tune in as I give an update on our infrastructure deal. https://t.co/8bDxIbIEtN
— President Biden (@POTUS) June 24, 2021
The president said not everyone got what they wanted and that other White House priorities would be tackled separately in a congressional budget process known as reconciliation. You can read a full statement on the deal here.
