Biden signs historic $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill

Washington DC – President Joe Biden on Monday signed a historic $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill that he said will overhaul the nation’s infrastructure and boost the nation’s economy, which has been battered by the Covid-19 pandemic.

President Joe Biden (l.) and Vice President Kamala Harris (r.) arrive at a signing ceremony for the $1.2 trillion bipartisan Infrastructure bill.
President Joe Biden (l.) and Vice President Kamala Harris (r.) arrive at a signing ceremony for the $1.2 trillion bipartisan Infrastructure bill.  © Imago/UPI Photo

Touting the legislation as a job creator, the president said it was also an example of him fulfilling a campaign promise to reach across the aisle to get things done.

"Democrats and Republicans can come together and deliver results," the president said during a signing ceremony on the White House lawn that was attended by more than 800 labor leaders, business executives, governors, mayors, and lawmakers.

The bill is expected to fund a plethora of infrastructure projects over the next five years, including the expansion of broadband internet access and repairs to aging roads and bridges.

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California is set to receive about $3.5 billion to eliminate lead water pipes and take other steps to improve drinking water. It should also receive more than 80 million dollars to help mitigate wildfires and other natural disasters.

The bill is smaller and less ambitious than Biden’s original $3.5 trillion proposal, which was later trimmed to ensure Republican support in the Senate.

Though the White House invited all 32 Republican lawmakers who voted for the bill, only a fraction attended the ceremony on the White House lawn.

Former President Donald Trump, who repeatedly failed to overhaul the nation’s infrastructure, blasted Republicans who backed this bill, directing particular ire at Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, according to Newsweek.

McConnell, who has defended his vote for the bill, did not attend the signing ceremony.

Cover photo: Imago/UPI Photo

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