Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Does Bipartisan Infrastructure Have a Chance?

The Senate and President Biden are both approaching a final chance to pass the bipartisan infrastructure package. Time is running out before Congress’ August recess, and in September competing priorities and the 2022 election begin to dominate.

Most importantly, this is the bipartisan movement. Along with Biden, the main Senate Republicans legislators leading the effort are retiring or have primaries. The replacements – Republican or Democrat – are not likely to be for compromise, but for partisan battle. Senator Rob Portman (Ohio) and Richard Burr (North Carolina) are retiring and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) has a primary.

The American people of both parties believe that infrastructure investment is a priority, they like the job Biden is doing on it and strongly support investments on roads, bridges, parts and water quality.

Infrastructure Investments
AP-NORC, July 22, 2021

  • 59% improving infrastructure should be a high priority by Washington (50% Republican, 69% Democrat)
  • 55% approve of Biden’s handling of infrastructure
  • 83% support roads, bridges and parts as part of infrastructure package
  • 79% support pipes that supply drinking water as part of infrastructure package

President Biden speaks outside White House with bipartisan group of senators
after meeting on infrastructure, June 24, 2021 | Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

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