WASHINGTON D.C. — Tonight, House Democrats passed H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act, a comprehensive desperately needed infrastructure package that will invest more than $1.5 trillion to rebuild America’s infrastructure while creating millions of good-paying jobs throughout the nation.
“Since the introduction of the Moving Forward Act I have been a supporter of this transformative package and its potential impact on our entire country’s infrastructure,” Rep. Dean said. “We have long needed investments in our infrastructure, clean water, and broadband — and as we begin to rebuild our economy in the coming months, investment in our infrastructure will provide the foundation and lift we need to come out of this pandemic stronger than ever.”
H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act, aims to build a sustainable and lasting infrastructure in the following ways:
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Rebuilds our highways, bridges, transit, rail, airports, ports and harbors by investing nearly $500 billion to improve safety, reduce gridlock and put the U.S. on a path toward zero emissions from the transportation sector, all while protecting American jobs with strong Buy America provisions and labor protections.
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Ensures all communities have clean water by investing tens of billions to remove dangerous contaminants from our drinking water and invests in new, safe wastewater infrastructure.
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Invests in our children’s futures by helping safely reopen and rebuild schools with a $130 billion investment in school infrastructure targeted at high-poverty schools that do not meet health and safety standards, while also creating 2 million jobs.
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Modernizes our energy infrastructure for a clean energy future by investing more than $70 billion to transform our electric grid, promote new renewable energy infrastructure and strengthen existing infrastructure, help develop an electric vehicle charging network and support energy efficiency and climate resilience.
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Invests boldly in affordable housing by directing over $100 billion to reduce housing inequality, create jobs, stimulate the economy, improve living conditions and increase environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
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Expands affordable high-speed Internet to underserved communities with a $100 billion investment that promotes competition, connects children to remote learning, closes broadband adoption and digital skills gaps and improves affordability.
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Upgrades hospitals and health care infrastructure by investing $30 billion to increase capacity and strengthen care, help community health centers respond to COVID-19 and future public health emergencies, improve clinical laboratory infrastructure, support the Indian Health Service‘s infrastructure and increase capacity for community-based care.
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Delivers a 21st Century Postal Service by modernizing infrastructure and pursuing a zero-emissions postal fleet.
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Promotes investments in our communities by spurring private investment through the tax code, through a revitalized Build America Bonds program, expansions of Private Activity Bonds and significant enhancements to the New Markets Tax Credit and the Rehabilitation Tax Credit.
The Moving Forward Act prioritizes an investment in infrastructure that is smarter, safer, and made to last. This is paramount as the nation reels from its greatest public health and economic crisis.
