Problem Solvers Caucus Unveils “Building Bridges: a Bipartisan Physical Infrastructure Framework”

Problem Solvers Caucus Unveils “Building Bridges: a Bipartisan Physical Infrastructure Framework”

By Insider NJ

June 9th, 2021

Today, the Problem Solvers Caucus released Building Bridges: A Bipartisan Physical Infrastructure Framework to help break the gridlock on the latest infrastructure negotiations and encourage their colleagues to continue working across the aisle to deliver real results for the American people.

The 58-member bipartisan Caucus, led by Co-Chairs Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), unveiled the Building Bridges infrastructure framework developed by the PSC Infrastructure Working Group, led by Co-Chairs Congressman Connor Lamb (PA-17) and Congressman John Katko (NY-24).

This 8-year bipartisan, $1.249 trillion infrastructure framework would address the enormous need for new infrastructure and the current backlog of deferred maintenance to build a strong, successful 21st Century infrastructure network for America, invest in American jobs, and grow the nation’s economy.

The Building Bridges framework calls for funding in the following key categories:

• Highways, Roads, Safety, and Bridges
• Designated Community Restoration Projects
• Transit
• Electric Vehicles and Buses
• Amtrak, Passenger, and Freight Rail
• Airports
• Waterways and Ports
• Resiliency Funds and Nature-based Infrastructure
• Veterans’ Housing
• Broadband
• Drinking-Water, Wastewater, and Western Water Storage
• Energy
• Remediation of Superfund Sites
• Asset Recycling

Read the Building Bridges Infrastructure Framework here and the Section-by-Section here.

The Problem Solvers Caucus is committed to fulfilling its duty to provide stable long-term funding for America’s infrastructure.

Endorsement of this framework is the third proactive effort by the bipartisan group to help advance bipartisan infrastructure discussions. In April, the Caucus released the Rebuilding America’s Infrastructure report to help define the scope of a bipartisan infrastructure agreement and sent a letter to President Biden, Secretary Buttigieg, and Congressional leaders calling on them to promote a bipartisan path forward on infrastructure.

“It’s critically important that we get a robust infrastructure package signed into law, and that we do it with strong bipartisan support. The Problem Solvers Caucus framework — Building Bridges — does exactly that and tackles everything from electric vehicles to clean water to fixing our crumbling bridges, tunnels, roads, and rail. This is the model for how we should govern in Washington: Democrats and Republicans working together to find common ground,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5)

“The time is now for Congress and the Administration to reach across the aisle, unite, and boost investments in our surface transportation network that will move our transportation systems into the 21st century,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1). “The Problem Solvers Caucus has worked tirelessly to put together this bipartisan framework that is both responsive to local needs and worthy of the public’s trust. Infrastructure investment can and will deliver real benefits to every American and additionally, has the unique power to unite us as a nation. An investment in our roads, rails, bridges, IT infrastructure, and electrical grid is an investment in our nation, our economy, and our families.”

“We are trying to rebuild America, for all Americans, and getting both parties on board means that our bridges, locks, dams, power lines, and vehicle chargers will get started and finished no matter who is in power. What matters most is getting this work done,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Infrastructure Working Group Co-Chair Conor Lamb (PA-17).

“As part of an ongoing effort to deliver a bipartisan, consensus-driven infrastructure package, I’m proud to join the Problem Solvers Caucus in unveiling Building Bridges: A Bipartisan Physical Infrastructure Framework,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Infrastructure Working Group Co-Chair John Katko (NY-24). “Developed with both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, this framework contains truly bipartisan policies that can form the basis for a comprehensive package to modernize our nation’s infrastructure systems.”

“As others obstruct, divide and disengage, the Problem Solvers Caucus worked together to develop a bipartisan, physical infrastructure solution with the support of 29 Democrats and 29 Republicans,” Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-3) said. “We’re committed to bring people together and get things done, and we won’t give up.”

“Unless one has their head in the sand, we all know we are overdue to enact an infrastructure bill and if we can’t pass a bi-partisan plan on this….God help us! The partisan rancor has to stop and we have to govern in this divided government atmosphere. With talks breaking down with the WH and Senator Capito, this is the only way forward on a bipartisan framework,” said Rep. Fred Upton (MI-4).

“Our crumbling roads, bridges, and the tools that grind the gears of day-to-day American life cannot support our nation’s future endeavors without significant new investment,” said Rep. Susie Lee (NV-3). “Infrastructure investment is a unifying issue, yet it is being threatened by partisan politics. The Problem Solvers Caucus hopes to provide a framework that will allow us to come together and deliver the investment needed to rebuild and modernize our economy. I look forward to continuing to work with my Republican and Democratic colleagues to find solutions on infrastructure.”

“It’s critical we leverage private capital to revitalize our communities and rebuild our roads, bridges, and highways,” said Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-9). “Our ‘Building Bridges’ framework includes an infrastructure bank that will serve as a significant supplement to existing funding sources through private investment that would increase access to capital for worthy infrastructure projects across the nation, without putting the burden on taxpayers.”

“The Problem Solvers Caucus’ bipartisan Building Bridges infrastructure framework would provide a substantial investment in our nation’s most pressing physical infrastructure needs, something both Republicans and Democrats recognize is urgently needed, and invest in our nation’s roads, bridges, tunnels and more to build the economy of the 21st Century,” said Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux (GA-7). “As we continue our national conversation on an infrastructure package, I look forward to working with both parties to pass a fiscally-responsible package that meets the needs of this moment”

“Once again when times are tough the PSC has come through to show that bipartisan cooperation is possible on issues of critical importance to our country,” said Rep. Kurt Schrader (OR-5). “Much like the humanitarian border package a few years ago and the December Covid package Democrats and Republicans that want to govern and solve America’s problems have stepped up to show a path to building our way out of the pandemic and a brighter future. Our $1.2 trillion dollar infrastructure package not only deals with our roads, bridges, ports and airports but critical drinking and wastewater, and broadband issues. It sets a realistic course for our federal government to partner with the private sector on key issues of the future like water storage, EV growth, energy resiliency and more. I hope this framework provides the confidence our Administration and congressional leaders need that a realistic bipartisan progressive infrastructure package is possible.”

“This is the first true bipartisan agreement in our effort to rebuild and transform America’s infrastructure,” said Rep. Tom Malinowski (NJ-7). “While no compromise is perfect, this one meets my core objectives: It will put millions of Americans to work bringing our roads, bridges, water and utility systems into good repair, significantly increase support for rail and mass transit, including New Jersey’s Gateway project, and — critically — help America transition from dependence on fossil fuels to leadership in clean energy. We’ve proven that common ground is possible without sacrificing ambition and vision. I hope all Democrats and Republicans will support these investments.”

“While there are many details to be worked out, on both sides of the aisle, we share a strong desire to invest intelligently in our infrastructure to support America’s continuing success,” said Rep. Peter Meijer (MI-3).

Rep. Lou Correa (CA-46) said, “Our nation’s infrastructure is in dire need of repair, and the problem gets worse the longer we wait. Following a once in a century pandemic, we have the opportunity to create good-paying jobs while rebuilding our communities. This bipartisan and commonsense legislation gets to work rebuilding America’s critical physical infrastructure. Together we rebuild our country and prepare for the future.”

“We need an infrastructure improvement plan to fix our decrepit bridges, fortify our electric grid, provide broadband to rural areas and more,” said Rep. Don Bacon (NE-2). “But, President Biden’s $4 trillion plan is obnoxiously exorbitant and we need to find bipartisan consensus on an affordable plan. The Problem Solvers are working on such a plan that doesn’t bankrupt the nation.”

“This infrastructure framework — negotiated by 29 Democrats and 29 Republicans — shows that a bipartisan deal to rebuild American infrastructure is possible if congressional leaders and the White House are willing to stay at the table and continue bipartisan talks,” said Congressman Jared Golden (ME-2).

“There is broad, bipartisan support for smart investments in our infrastructure that will rebuild our country, create good jobs, and pave the way for America’s future, and I am committed to working with my Republican and Democratic colleagues in the House to find common ground and deliver on those priorities,” said Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-1). “As a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I am focused on crafting an infrastructure bill that addresses America’s urgent needs including repairing our roads and bridges, expanding broadband, revitalizing our water infrastructure, and ensuring resiliency. The Building Bridges framework is an encouraging proposal and is an important example of how members of both parties can and should come to the table and work to build consensus. As this process continues, I will keep having these conversations and push for a final product that truly reflects the needs of the First District.”