June 14, 2021

New Democrat Coalition Statement on the Path Forward for Infrastructure

Today, the New Democrat Coalition (NDC) Chair Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement on the path forward on infrastructure legislation:

“For too long, we have neglected to make the necessary investments in our nation’s infrastructure. New Dems are committed to addressing these needs in order to create jobs, transform our infrastructure system, combat climate change, grow our economy, and make sure every American has the opportunity to succeed.

“As the House returns to Washington, D.C., New Dems will continue working with anyone who is willing to come to the table and move our country forward. We should always pursue bipartisanship when possible, but inaction on infrastructure is not an option.”

Last month, the Coalition urged for House consideration of New Dem-endorsed bills that align with our priorities for a transformational infrastructure package. The NDC is committed to building funding and financing to last, building resilient, innovative infrastructure for the future, and building with smart and inclusive planning, zoning, and development. This includes policies that combat climate change, develop more affordable housing, and invest in our long-term infrastructure needs to create widely-shared economic growth and opportunity. 

Last week, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, with bipartisan support, passed the Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America (INVEST in America) Act, which included multiple provisions based on NDC-endorsed bills: 

  • H.R. 611, the ROCKS Act, Rep. Gregory Stanton 
  • H.R. 2483, the Build More Housing Near Transit Act, Reps. Scott Peters and Marilyn Strickland 
  • H.R. 2833, the Reconnecting Communities Act, Reps. Anthony Brown and Lisa Blunt Rochester
  • H.R. 1615, the More TOD Act, Rep. Anthony Brown
  • H.R. 2683, the Helping Communities Invest in Infrastructure Act, Rep. Sharice Davids
  • H.R. 867, the High Speed Rail Corridor Development Act, Rep. Jim Costa
  • H.R. 2474, the Invest in American Railroads Act, Reps. Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas
  • H.R 3566, the National and Regional Greenways Act, Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux
  • H.R. 2991, the Connecting America’s Active Transportation System Act, Rep. Chris Pappas 
  • H.R. 1845, the American High-Speed Rail Act, Reps. Seth Moulton, Suzan DelBene, and Brendan Boyle
  • Η.R. 3651, the Revitalizing American Priorities for Infrastructure Development (RAPID) Act, Rep. Colin Allred
  • H.R. 2177, the Fair Transportation Act, Rep. Norma Torres 
  • H.R. 512, the Green Bus Act, Rep. Julia Brownley 

This Congress, the NDC has held several meetings with senior Biden administration officials, House Leadership, and Committee Chairs to discuss the American Jobs Plan. Earlier this year, the NDC also launched its Infrastructure Task Force and these endorsements build on the NDC’s 100 Day Agenda and Second Pillar: Modernize our infrastructure, combat climate change, and create jobs.

 

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