Infrastructure bill set to address prevalent world problems
In March of this year and later revised in October, President Joseph Biden proposed a new infrastructure plan. Biden spoke out to allocate money towards the construction of roads and bridges in minority communities, helping fight racial inequality. He believes by investing money into the nation’s infrastructure we will match with top countries. “And this agreement(bill) signals to the world that we can function, deliver, and do significant things,” Biden says.
White House officials have stated that the money will repair 10 of the most economically important bridges. The plan also details how projects listed by Biden will create more jobs in America, and will make America more competitive with other countries across the world, according to the New York Times.
The infrastructure bill outlines a plan to fight climate change. The bill aims to introduce more clean and efficient sources of energy, slowing pollution and climate change. As racism becomes a prevalent issue in America, civil rights activists have identified several highways and roads across America as “racist highways” as they divide minority communities. Urban planners previously had plans to tear down these highways, and Biden also has the same idea in his sights.
According to CNBC, Biden outlines how money through the infrastructure bill will go to states based proportionally on the money needed. With the large majority of money going restrictively towards the construction and rebuilding of roads and bridges, Biden explained in an interview how the building of roads and bridges in minority communities will better fight racial inequality in the system.
However, the New York Times states that the “House Republican leaders are leaning on their members to reject the $1 trillion infrastructure bill…” as they argue it will “push through [Democrats] far larger climate change and social policy bill.”
Major setbacks delayed the infrastructure vote until Friday Oct 1 with several disagreements within parties delaying the voting process. Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the House, aims to pass the bill on Oct. 31 in order to resolve any and all disagreements about the bill within parties. Biden spoke freely on lacking enough voters in the Senate to pass the bill, however Democrats are hopeful to have enough to pass the bill come voting time.
