Support Grows for Infrastructure Policy on Biden’s Agenda

President-elect Joe Biden has said that a vibrant economy includes investing in sustainable infrastructure. (John Raedle/Getty Images)

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With decades of experience working to advance legislation on Capitol Hill, expectations are high for President-elect Joe Biden in terms of infrastructure policy.

“The president-elect has made it clear he is ready to work with Congress to deliver results for all Americans,” Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) said after the election, “with bold investments in infrastructure that help everyone from large metro areas dealing with unreliable transit and soon to be jam-packed highways, to rural communities that suffer from bridges in poor condition and deteriorating roads.” DeFazio is chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

The Biden campaign has said online, “We’ve seen the need for a more resilient economy for the long-term, and that means investing in a modern, sustainable infrastructure and sustainable engines of growth — from roads and bridges, to energy grids and schools, to universal broadband.”

Mulero

Post-election, stakeholders including freight groups offered their support.

“Just like the great industry we represent, [American Trucking Associations] is about getting the job done,” ATA President Chris Spear said Nov. 7. “While some exist in Washington to perpetuate problems, we come to the table prepared with solutions. We value sound data and honest dialogue. Above all, we commit to working with anyone willing to work with us.”

Spear added, “As the Biden administration rolls up its sleeves and begins the heavy lift of rebuilding America’s ailing infrastructure, it will find a constructive partner in ATA. We stand ready, willing and able to get the job done.”

President Donald Trump during his tenure sought to advance a comprehensive private sector-centric infrastructure package and championed efforts to streamline the country’s environmental permitting guidelines to help projects move forward more quickly.

The Week Ahead (all times Eastern)

Nov. 10, 2:30 p.m.: The Commerce Committee meets to hear from nominees for posts at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Department of Commerce, and Federal Communications Commission.

Freight Corridor

Infrastructure Week might no longer be a joke. Imagine that.

Buzz

Obama-era officials are on the short-list of candidates for leadership roles at the U.S. Department of Transportation, sources tell Transport Topics.

Favorite Video

Transportation officials from the country’s laboratories of Democracy gather for their annual meeting.

Favorite Tweet

Elections have consequences.

Anybody else have a slew of house projects they've been putting off until the election is called? — ryan teague beckwith (@ryanbeckwith) November 6, 2020

The Last Word

We know our next president will need to unite the country.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Nov. 4

We publish weekly when Congress is in session. E-mail emulero@ttnews.com with tips. Follow us @eugenemulero and @transporttopics.

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