U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) on Nov. 1 made a public plea for Congress to support a nationwide federal infrastructure package that would improve the nation’s economy, workforce, public safety, and the environment alongside overdue fixes for America’s roads, rails, bridges, highways, water, power and other related systems.
“Investing in our roads, bridges, and energy grid is an investment in our nation, our economy, and our families,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick during a press event at the Cornwells Heights Train Station in Bensalem Township, Pa., that serves the northeast suburbs of Philadelphia. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance a bipartisan plan that brings each phase of infrastructure into the 21st century.”
Among those joining Rep. Fitzpatrick were U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA), former U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello (R-PA), and leaders from local and national organizations, who advocated for a comprehensive federal infrastructure package that supports union jobs, strengthens the middle class, and promotes environmental health and safety.
The press conference was the first of several to be hosted across the country by Build Together, a nonpartisan group that supports infrastructure funding to improve drinking water and waste management systems, increase flood resilience, upgrade the electrical grid, ramp up high-speed rail, rebuild U.S. roads, and boost funding for airports and shipping ports.
Rep. Fitzpatrick estimated that such an infrastructure improvement package would cost $1 trillion, and said the investment is crucial for also helping to improve the nation’s environment, economy, national security, and public safety.
“There is bipartisan agreement that our infrastructure is critical to our economy,” said Rep. Boyle. “Far too many steelworkers and other building trades in my district face layoffs due to low demand from the transportation and infrastructure sector. I am proud to fight for them in Congress, and to fight for legislation to boost demand for quality steel, iron and other materials made here at home by American workers.”
Other speakers at the press conference included representatives from the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Riverfront North Partnership, and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, also known as SEPTA.