Here's what's in the infrastructure bill as it nears a vote in the House
Savannah BehrmannWASHINGTON – The House of Representatives may vote on a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill Thursday, barring any delays from Capitol Hill politics and infighting.
The legislation — a core Biden administration priority — passed the Senate in August in an overwhelming bipartisan vote, 69-30, after months of negotiations.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act would direct $550 billion in new spending over five years to modernize roads, bridges and transit systems while expanding high-speed internet systems and the nation's network of electric vehicle charging stations.
If it is introduced and passes, it will go to President Joe Biden's desk for a signature.
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This bill is different from a separate budget bill, details of which Democrats are still hammering out, that would focus on "human infrastructure" priorities such as child care and climate change.
Few issues unite Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill like crumbling roads, airports and transit systems back home.
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Here is what the latest version of the bipartisan infrastructure legislation addresses, and how that money is being divvied up:
Roads and bridges
America's roadways are deteriorating, with more than 45,000 bridges rated in poor condition. The legislation calls for $110 billion in new spending for roads and bridges — the heart of the "physical infrastructure."
In negotiations through the summer, Republicans stressed the legislation should largely focus on this area.
According to the White House fact sheet, legislation includes $40 billion for bridge repair, replacement and rehabilitation, which is being touted by lawmakers as the largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the interstate highway system in the 1950s.
It also includes $16 billion for major projects that are too large or complex for traditional funding programs, according to the fact sheet.
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It would also invest $1 billion toward reconnecting communities divided by interstates, which are historically disproportionately Black neighborhoods.
Broadband
The bill dedicates $65 billion toward expanding broadband internet access, an issue that has been accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic as social distancing restrictions forced businesses, schools and governments to conduct day-to-day functions online.
The White House estimates as many as 40 million Americans lack access to broadband.
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Biden had originally sought to devote $100 billion to address broadband, but the infrastructure agreement cut that nearly in half.
The bill would lower internet service prices by requiring that federal funding recipients offer more affordable plans. It would also create price transparency and, in areas where providers aren't currently providing adequate service, seek to boost the competition.
According to the White House fact sheet, it would also create a permanent federal program to help more low-income households access internet.
Public transport
The infrastructure package includes $39 billion to modernize public transit, seeking to upgrade public rail and other means of transport. The funding would repair and upgrade the current infrastructure and aim to make stations more accessible to riders, including elderly passengers or those with disabilities.
Amtrak, passenger and freight rail, would get $66 billion. It would eliminate Amtrak's maintenance backlog, and modernize the Northeast Corridor line.
It would also bring transit services to new areas and communities, and sets aside $12 billion in grants for intercity services, including high-speed rail.
It would also dedicate a total $42 billion toward airports, waterways, and port infrastructure. Airports would receive $25 billion of that.
Biden and Democrats had originally sought to include electric charging stations, but Republicans, many of whom represent fossil fuel-producing states, were wary of adding progressive climate policies to a bill they generally believe should focus on increasing transportation capacity. However, the final agreement does include $7.5 billion for electric vehicle stations and the same amount for electric buses.
That is in addition to continuing the existing transit programs for five years as part of surface transportation reauthorization, according to the White House. They have touted is as the largest investment in public transit in history.
Power and water systems
The legislation would fund $65 billion to rebuild the electrical grid, calling for expanding renewable energy, and invest in thousands of miles of new power lines.
It would also dedicate $55 billion to upgrade water systems, with a goal to replace all the nation's existing lead service pipes and lines so clean drinking water is more accessible for communities.
Environmental remediation
Democrats have long touted environmental needs and investments as part of their infrastructure legislation demands.
The bill would invest $21 billions environmental remediation that would address "legacy pollution," according to the fact sheet.
The bill includes funding to clean up Superfund and brownfield sites, reclaim abandoned mine lands, and more.