The Congressional Problem Solvers Caucus has released a report calling for bipartisan policy recommendations on national infrastructure.
“We can’t afford to play political games and keep kicking this problem down the road,” U.S. Rep Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), co-chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus, said. “In New Jersey, too many of our bridges and tunnels are considered unsafe, many of our pipes are filled with lead, our roads and rail are a mess, and many of our residents have no access to broadband at all. Our report provides bipartisan options for solving these problems, like finally investing in the Gateway tunnel project. It’s time to get a better ROI in New Jersey for our existing tax dollars. We must not increase gas taxes – or any taxes for that matter.”
As a group, the 44-member caucus called for the modernization of existing user fees, incentivization of private innovation, investment into public-private partnerships, increased accountability, and smarter investments with less federal funds. They sought to improve infrastructure at all ends of the spectrum, from highways to airports to sewer systems and the power grid.
“It’s always better for the country when we act together. The bipartisan infrastructure solutions contained in this report provide Congressional Leadership and the Administration with the building blocks necessary to craft a comprehensive infrastructure plan both parties can agree to,” U.S. Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY), caucus co-chair, said. “We all know our infrastructure is crumbling and we care about the people who feel the impact of our crumbling roads, bridges, ports, and utilities every day. Congress must come together to act on this issue now, not later.”