The House Passes $1.2T Infrastructure Bill, Awaits Biden’s Signature

By Tadi Abedje Published: November 6, 2021

The House Passes $1.2T Infrastructure Bill, Awaits Biden’s Signature

An Amtrak train departs 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, Wednesday, March 31, 2021. Looking beyond the $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill, President Joe Biden and lawmakers are laying the groundwork for another of his top legislative priorities — a long-sought boost to the nation's roads, bridges and other infrastructure that could meet GOP resistance to a hefty price tag. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

In Summary

The bill passed in the House with a 228-206 vote and ends the standoff between progressives and moderates.

After intense negotiations, the House has passed the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, and now it awaits President Joe Biden’s signature, according to progressive political commentator Brian Tyler Cohen. It means that it is the end of the long standoff between progressives and moderates.

There were progressives who agreed to the infrastructure measure, but after spending months of holding it hostage to pressure moderates to support the social and environmental measures, according to the Associated Press.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said in a statement before the House passed the infrastructure bill that, “As part of this agreement, at the request of the president, and to ensure we pass both bills through the House, progressives will advance the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the House rule on Build Back Better tonight.”

It passed in the House with a 228-206 vote, which led to cheers from the Democratic side of the chamber. Thirteen Republicans voted in favor of the legislation, while six of the Democrats’ far left members such as Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Cori Bush voted against it, according to the Associated Press.

In the legislation, it would create legions of jobs and enhance broadband, water supplies and other public works.

“I am especially pleased this bill contains $65 billion to expand broadband access, an issue I have championed for many years. This investment will make substantial progress toward universal access to affordable, high-speed internet,” said U.S. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn in a press release. “Far too many Americans are being left out of America’s recovery from the pandemic, and the passage of this legislation today brings us one step closer to making America’s greatness accessible and affordable for more Americans.”