RLC Weekly: Happy Infrastructure Anniversary!

Dear Colleagues,

Ten weeks of Republican chaos and dysfunction did not stop the Regional Leadership Council (RLC) and House Democrats from touting the Investing in America agenda, especially as we celebrate the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's two-year anniversary. Here is how lawmakers shared this law's progress and how the BIL’s funds are creating jobs, lowering health care costs, and supporting safer communities:

Meeting with White House Senior Advisor Mitch Landrieu

Two years after President Biden signed the landmark Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Members of the RLC met with White House Senior Advisor and Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu to discuss how the law is delivering nearly $400 billion to over 40,000 projects nationwide and how it is rebuilding America's roads and bridges, improving airports and harbors, and making broadband and public transportation access more equitable. As Landrieu said following the meeting, “Moving forward, the President is committed to continuing our great partnership with the Regional Leadership Council to rebuild America back better than before." 

Highlighting Local Impact

From the new Frederick Douglass Tunnel in Maryland, to the expansion of the Port of Nome in Alaska, to the $14 billion in investments for Florida's roads and public transportation, many House Democrats shared how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is positively impacting their regions. RLC Leader Grace Meng (NY-06) shared two local projects made possible thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: The $16 million investment in the Long Island Expressway and the $450,000 investment in curb renovations for intersections in Queens, NY. "Ensuring our borough is accessible to all will always be a top priority," said Rep. Meng. The Investing in America agenda continues to improve accessibility and infrastructure in every part of the country.

For more examples of how all Americans are benefiting from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, watch these videos from House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (WA-02), Rep. Val Hoyle (OR-04), Rep. Robert Menendez, Jr. (NJ-08), Rep. Sharice Davids (KS-03), and Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24).

Raising Awareness, Lowering Costs

During National Diabetes Month, RLC Leader Rep. Robin L. Kelly (IL-02) joined colleagues from the Congressional Black Caucus to raise awareness about the impact of diabetes on Black Americans. As Rep. Kelly works to reduce the risk of diabetes by combatting food insecurity, improving mental health care, and lowering racial disparities in America's health care system, she also touted how the Inflation Reduction Act is making real progress in lowering insulin costs. See House Floor speeches from Rep. Kelly and Rep. Shontel Brown (OH-11) here and here.

The RLC reported earlier this year that Medicare beneficiaries in Illinois' 2nd Congressional District are saving an average of $480 dollars a year on insulin, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. Find more district-level briefings on these savings here.

What's Next?

• President Biden announced the release of the Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5) in conjunction with a $6 billion investment to advance climate resiliency and environmental justice. Learn more here.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new funding for recycling infrastructure and waste management to the tune of $33 million in Recycling Education and Outreach (REO) grants and $60 million in Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortias. The awardees can be found here.

For more updates on how to help implement the Investing in America Agenda locally, please follow us on social media and share your story on how these investments are making a difference in your community. You can also visit our website for additional resources that will help track these historic investments.