RLC Weekly: Sharing Stories of the Investing in America Agenda

September 20, 2024
In The News

Dear Colleagues,

The Regional Leadership Council (RLC) and Biden-Harris Administration remain in lockstep to make sure that the American people know how their tax dollars are fueling a great American comeback. In this week's RLC Weekly, House Democrats and the Biden-Harris Administration continue to deliver investments that bring down costs and create new opportunities across the country. Here are the highlights:

Meeting with the White House

In their fourth meeting at the White House, the RLC shared recent testimonials to describe how the Investing in America agenda is lowering costs. From connecting Americans to programs like Direct Pay to celebrating local REAP grant awards, the RLC continues to highlight how the Investing in America agenda is making a difference in their communities. Please reach out to your RLC Leader for the information shared during this meeting.

Making More in America

Distinguished members of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) and the bicameral Electrification Caucus joined clean energy advocates to discuss how Democrats' clean energy plan is building zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles and creating union jobs. Reps. Paul Tonko (NY-20), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), RLC Leader Jared Huffman (CA-02), and White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi each spoke about the Investing in America agenda's progress in creating a sustainable future for our country. Watch the recording for this event here. More on this event can be found here.

RLC Leader Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06) also celebrated clean energy jobs by highlighting new federal funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). The grantees report that this funding will "create 490 jobs and retain 2,870 more, while generating $429 million in private investments." It's another example of how the Biden-Harris Administration is implementing the Investing in America agenda. More on this story here and here.

Building a Clean Energy Future

Rep. James E. Clyburn (SC-06) celebrated an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant with Acting Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle this week. Rep. Clyburn said this funding will install solar power at public buildings in Colombia and help lower the heat index in urban areas. "This is what investing in America looks like," he said on social media.

Additionally, U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm joined Maine Governor Janet Mills to discuss the implementation of the Home Energy Rebate Program. Thanks to the $36 million grant made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, qualifying low-income homeowners can go on EfficiencyMaine.com and lower their long-term energy costs. Rep. Chellie Pingree (ME-01) commended this program on her social media, calling it an "initiative for a greener, stronger, [and] healthier Maine."

What Else?

  • The CHIPS for America office in the U.S. Department of Commerce announced that 17 small businesses were awarded federal funding made possible by the CHIPS and Science Act. See the awardees here.
  • The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is announcing $150 million in state-level awards to help fortify communities against wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters. Read more 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.