Rep. Chu Statement on Historic Passage of Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal and Rule for Build Back Better Act

Washington, DC – Tonight, the House passed H.R. 3684, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a $1.2 trillion investment in infrastructure like roads, transit, and broadband that also encourages environmental protection, renewability, and electric vehicles. The House also passed the rule for H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better Act. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27), who voted to pass both the bill and the rule, issued the following statement:

"Tonight we fulfilled a promise to the American people to make the bipartisan investments in our infrastructure that will help America get back to work and prepare our economy for the future. Starting with the hard infrastructure that has long been neglected, resulting in dangerously deteriorating roads and bridges, this bill will provide billions of dollars in new construction to not only improve this infrastructure but also prepare it to better withstand worsening natural disasters. And with key investments in grid innovations, we can bolster clean energy supply chains and improve the delivery of energy throughout the country. This bill also ensures safer water, free of lead pollution, and improves broadband access so Americans everywhere have a chance to get ahead. I am proud of the work that went into crafting this important legislation and am thrilled that we could come together to send this bill to President Biden's desk for signature as we work to make needed changes to help all Americans recover from this pandemic.

"I am also pleased the House today advanced the second part of President Biden's agenda - the Build Back Better Act - through a Rule. I expect House Democrats will soon join together to pass this transformative bill that will creates jobs, cuts taxes, and lower costs for families before Thanksgiving. Not only will this legislation address climate change, it will also bolster the care economy and the health of our nation. It is absolutely essential that we pass the Build Back Better Act into law, and I will be sure to keep fighting for the American people in the coming weeks. "

Funding authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes:

Highway and Bridge Programs

• $273.2 billion over five years for the Highway Trust Fund for Surface Transportation Block Grants
• $6.54 billion over five years for new grants to repair and replace bridges
• $500 million for a pilot program offering grants to explore removing or retrofitting transportation facilities that created community barriers to mobility or economic development
• $3 billion to eliminate hazards at railway-highway crossings

Climate Change and Alternative Vehicles

• $6.42 billion over five years for a new program to reduce transportation-related carbon emissions including truck stop electrification systems, trail facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists, congestion management technologies, intelligent transportation system capital improvements, energy-efficient alternatives to street lights, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and port el ectrification.
• $2.5 billion over five years for grants for electric vehicle charging stations and alternative fuel infrastructure
• $5 billion for states to deploy electric vehicle charging infrastructure and a data-sharing network.
• $10.3 billion for Transit Infrastructure Grants, with $5.25 billion set aside for low- and zero-emission bus grants, and $4.75 billion for State of Good Repair grants.

Multimodal and Freight Programs

• $10 billion for grants supporting infrastructure projects with national or regional significance, including highway and bridges on national freight networks, freight rail projects with public benefits, railway-highway grade elimination, intercity passenger rail, and certain public transit projects. Lawmakers could pass a joint resolution blocking funds for selected projects.
• $7.5 billion for projects with local or regional significance, including highways, bridges, public transit, passenger rail, and port infrastructure.

Minority Business Support

• Stipulates that at least 10% of the bill's funds have to flow through small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
• Authorizes $550 million over five years for the Commerce Department's Minority Business Development Agency.