DeLauro Statement on Passage of Historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill

DeLauro: "This historic bill is about jobs, jobs, jobs."

WASHINGTON, DC — House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today voted to pass the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, historic legislation to create jobs, strengthen the economy, and revitalize crumbling infrastructure.

"After decades of disinvestment, we are finally making historic infrastructure investments that will create millions of good-paying jobs and shape our economy in a way that meets the moment," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "The bipartisan infrastructure bill repairs crumbling roads and bridges, invests in public transit and rail, expands broadband, and secures clean drinking water all while creating millions of jobs, in Connecticut and across the country, that cannot be outsourced. I am particularly pleased that this legislation ensures that contracted workers will be protected and paid prevailing wages. With the passage of this bill, including a $1.63 billion increase for Connecticut over the most recent transportation bill and $30 billion to modernize the Northeast Corridor, we are investing in a foundation for strong economic growth in Connecticut."

In addition to fighting for worker protections and the creation of good-paying jobs, DeLauro worked to secure critical funding for Connecticut including $5.38 billion over the next five years, a $1.63 billion increase over the most recent transportation bill enacted in 2015. The bill also provides a total of $100 billion in national competitive grants Connecticut can apply to receive including:

• $7.5 billion in RAISE grants for projects of local or regional significance
• $8 billion in CRISI Grants to improve safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger rail
• $500 million in Reconnecting Communities grants for planning, design, demolition, and reconstruction of street grids or parks divided by transportation infrastructure
• $8 billion in Capital Investment grants for new and expanded high-capacity rail and bus service

In addition to the new investments in surface transportation, the bipartisan infrastructure bill will help close the digital gap and connect all Connecticut households to reliable high-speed internet. Connecticut is expected to receive a minimum of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, and many low-income Connecticut families will be eligible for discounted broadband service.

"This historic bill is about jobs, jobs, jobs," Congresswoman DeLauro continued. "It will boost Connecticut's economy and help families across the country build a better, stronger America."