U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) joined U.S. Reps. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Albio Sires (D-NJ), and Greg Stanton (D-AZ), as well as Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti; Kansas City, Mo. Mayor Quinton Lucas; and Richmond, Va. Mayor Levar Stoney on the steps of the U.S. Capitol to stress the need for Congress to act on infrastructure.
As part of a news conference, the lawmakers spoke on how federal investment into infrastructure can help rural and urban communities across the country – creating good-paying jobs, investing in American manufacturing, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector.
The event coincided with the rollout of 30 videos from U.S. mayors that spoke to the importance of investing in their communities.
“Few understand the impact of rebuilding our infrastructure better than our Mayors,” Pelosi said. “Right now, Mayors across the country are speaking out about the urgent need for the American Jobs Plan to create good-paying jobs and strengthen their communities. With their committed partnership and the tireless leadership of Chairman DeFazio, we will advance the historic investments in our infrastructure that we need to help our nation Build Back Better.”
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, America’s infrastructure got a grade of C- in the ASCE’s latest Infrastructure Report Card. ASCE also noted that the country faces a $2.6 trillion infrastructure investment gap.
“Infrastructure is the glue that holds our country together — connecting people to jobs, opportunity, recovery, and one another,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “L.A. knows what bold investments in our roads, bridges, railways, water systems, and broadband can mean: a more resilient, more sustainable, more prosperous, and equitable city. For mayors nationwide, infrastructure is calling, and the American Jobs Plan is the best way to answer it.”
The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure will be considering transportation reauthorization legislation in the coming week, said Committee Chairman DeFazio. That legislation will lay the groundwork for a significant portion of President Joe Biden’s American Jobs Plan.
“As a former county commissioner, I strongly believe federal infrastructure investment is essential to help communities thrive,” DeFazio said. “The right kind of investment means good-paying, local jobs fixing our roads and bridges. It means safer, more connected communities. It means better options to get around, including more reliable transit and trains, bike lanes, safe crosswalks, and ways to charge an electric vehicle.”