May 21, 2021

New Democrat Coalition Outlines Infrastructure Priorities

The New Democrat Coalition (NDC) Infrastructure Task Force outlined the NDC’s infrastructure priorities to build back better as the House continues to develop legislation in response to  President Biden’s American Jobs Plan.

New Dem Members will work to update our transportation infrastructure, create quality jobs, invest in our nation’s preparedness and resilience, and develop more affordable housing. Specifically, the Coalition is focused on:

  • Building funding and financing to last 
  • Building resilient, innovative infrastructure for the future 
  • Building with smart and inclusive planning, zoning, and development 

 Read excerpts of the press conference below.

“Infrastructure is more than just roads and bridges. It’s making sure every American can access affordable, reliable broadband, especially in our rural communities. It means building more affordable housing through proposals like mine to expand on the proven success of the Low IncomeHousing Tax Credit with the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act. It means helping cities deploy smart technologies that can make our towns more livable, more climate resistant, and safer. And finally, it means investing in high-speed rail to curb our carbon emissions and make our country more connected,” said NDC Chair Suzan DelBene (WA-01). “We are eager to work with the Biden-Harris administration to move these policy priorities forward, show Americans governance can work again, and build back better.”

“As a Vice Chair of the New Democrat Coalition, I not only understand the importance of modernizing our nation’s infrastructure, but I am also focused on finding common ground and setting forth solutions to the problems that face us. That means looking for innovative solutions to address the constantly shifting challenges ahead. As Vice Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I recognize the importance of working through the committee process to advance policies that tackle some of our nation’s greatest challenges. I am the first Kansas lawmaker to serve on this critical committee in nearly a decade,” said NDC Vice Chair Sharice Davids (KS-03). “New Dems have strong representation on other key committees, too, including Energy & Commerce, Ways & Means, Appropriations, and Financial Services. That leadership will be key to developing and advancing the House’s legislative packages in response to the President’s American Jobs Plan.”

“One of the top things I hear from my constituents is that they want to see governance work again and we are the group that’s going to help accomplish that. We are pragmatic Democrats willing to roll up our sleeves and do the work and do the work behind the scenes,” said NDC Leadership Member Stacey Plaskett (VI-AL). “Modernizing our infrastructure is the best investment we can make to create jobs and grow our economy. The U.S. economy depends on functioning transportation and infrastructure systems that support the movement of workers and goods around the country and facilitates international trade.”

“Americans are facing an affordable housing crisis that doesn’t just hold our families back from home ownership, it also threatens the ability to simply put a roof overhead while we’re still in this pandemic. Those challenges are made worse by the fact that many communities lack the infrastructure to connect their residents with the opportunities they seek,” said NDC Infrastructure Task Force Co-Chair Rep. Norma Torres (CA-35). “Now is the time to modernize and invest in our future. Public transportation projects create shovel-ready jobs and bolster economic activity, laying new broadband extends the opportunities of the internet to those who don’t have it, and helps close the digital divide, and environmentally responsible housing and transportation options help address climate change and protect the public from preventable health challenges.” 

“As someone who ran Georgia’s Senate nonpartisan budget office and taught public policy, I know firsthand the importance of making smart, targeted investments in infrastructure that prepare all parts of our country – rural, urban, and suburban – with innovative solutions to seize the future. That includes combating the traffic challenges to investing in resilience and preparedness in our infrastructure,” said NDC Infrastructure Task Force Co-Chair Carolyn Bourdeaux (GA-07). “The NDC platform includes future-forward transportation proposals such as high-speed rail, electrifying our buses, reducing congestion, and reducing emissions.”

The NDC plans to formally endorse slates of bills in the coming weeks as House committees continue to develop legislation in response to the President’s American Jobs Plan. New Dems have strong representation on key committees, including about 40 percent of the Democratic Members on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and will be central to advancing upcoming legislation.

 The NDC launched its Infrastructure Task Force this Congress building on the Coalition’s First 100 Day Agenda priority to modernize our infrastructure, combat climate change, and create jobs. The Task Force is made up of seventeen New Dem members:

  • Infrastructure Task Force Co-Chair Carolyn Bourdeaux
  • Infrastructure Task Force Co-Chair Norma Torres
  • NDC Vice Chair Sharice Davids
  • NDC Leadership Member Stacey Plaskett
  • NDC Leadership Member Brad Schneider
  • Rep. Colin Allred
  • Rep. Julia Brownley
  • Rep. Cheri Bustos
  • Rep. Salud Carbajal
  • Rep. Lizzie Fletcher
  • Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney
  • Rep. Seth Moulton
  • Rep. Chris Pappas
  • Rep. Terri Sewell
  • Rep. Mikie Sherrill
  • Rep. Greg Stanton
  • Rep. Marilyn Strickland

Watch the full press conference. Read more on the NDC’s 100 Day Agenda and Second Pillar: Modernize our infrastructure, combat climate change, and create jobs.

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