Problem Solvers Caucus offers $1.25T bipartisan infrastructure framework

To help break congressional gridlock on the latest infrastructure package and encourage bipartisanship, the Problem Solvers Caucus recently released Building Bridges: A Bipartisan Physical Infrastructure Framework. 

The 58-member bipartisan caucus, led by co-chairmen U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), unveiled the framework developed by the Problem Solvers Caucus Infrastructure Working Group, which is led by co-chairmen U.S. Reps. John Katko (R-NY) and Conor Lamb (D-PA).

“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,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said last week. “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.”

The eight-year, roughly $1.25 trillion infrastructure framework would address the nation’s need for a new 21st Century infrastructure network, as well as the current backlog of deferred maintenance, according to the caucus.

“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 Rep. Katko. “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.”

The framework would authorize government funds for numerous categories, including $582 billion for highways, roads, safety, and bridges; $155 billion for transit; $120 billion for Amtrak, passenger, and freight rail; $74 billion for drinking-water, wastewater, and Western water storage; and $71 billion for clean energy and the electrical grid, according to a summary provided by the lawmakers’ offices.

Other proposed funding categories include designated community restoration projects ($10 billion); electric vehicles and buses ($25 billion); airports ($41 billion); waterways and ports ($26 billion); resiliency funds and nature-based infrastructure ($45 billion); veterans’ housing ($10 billion); broadband ($45 billion); and orphan gas wells and abandoned coal mines ($16 billion), among others, the summary says.

“Unless one has their head in the sand, we all know we are overdue to enact an infrastructure bill. The partisan rancor has to stop and we have to govern in this divided government atmosphere,” said caucus member U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI). “With talks breaking down with the White House and Senator Capito, this is the only way forward on a bipartisan framework.”

Release of the framework is the third proactive effort by the caucus to help advance bipartisan infrastructure discussions. In April, the Caucus released the Rebuilding America’s Infrastructure report and sent a letter to President Joe Biden and other leaders calling on them to promote a bipartisan path forward on infrastructure.  

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

“We need an infrastructure improvement plan to fix our decrepit bridges, fortify our electric grid, provide broadband to rural areas and more,” said another caucus member, U.S. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE). “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.”