Spanberger Makes Case for Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation as a Top Priority

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today called on U.S. House leadership to pursue bipartisan legislation that would reinvest in roads, bridges, electrical grids, broadband internet, and other critical infrastructure improvements in Central Virginia and across the country.

In a letter sent to House Democratic leaders, Spanberger joined a group of her colleagues in urging consideration of bipartisan infrastructure bills that would prioritize much-needed infrastructure improvements. Specifically, the lawmakers called for leadership and relevant policy committees to move swiftly on a series of smaller infrastructure bills, while the House awaits the development of a larger, comprehensive infrastructure package.

See below for the full text:

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“We write today to express our desire to work with your offices and the relevant committees to move quickly on a series of infrastructure bills that reflect the issues we campaigned on. We have a unique opportunity to take the momentum from the 2018 election and turn that into legislative action for the American people.

“Many Democrats made infrastructure investment a top priority on the campaign trail, which led to us successfully taking back control of the House of Representatives. This issue broadly unites our Caucus along with many of our partners from labor organizations to industry associations. Our efforts can help create valuable, well-paying jobs throughout our country, while improving the quality of life for millions of Americans. These efforts would also expand and improve the roads we take to school and work, increase access to employment, and protect the environment.

“Now that President Trump has reopened the government, we ask that your teams immediately move forward on a series of infrastructure bills. Let’s show the American people that we heard their message last year. Our plan of attack must focus on immediate and bipartisan ideas, such as modernizing our nation’s electrical grids, investing in cost-saving energy-efficiency programs, reforms for our ports and water infrastructure, transit improvements, and a host of other problems that have festered due to inaction.

“The committees of jurisdiction have only just begun their work on crafting a larger package that addresses long-term funding issues and provides certainty for our communities. But while we await action on this product, there are a host of things that we can work on now that complements the work of the Transportation and Infrastructure and Ways and Means Committees. After working to get back to the majority for eight years, let’s show the American people that we are the party that solves problems.

“Thank you for your attention on this matter. We stand ready to work with you on advancing these needed reinvestments in America’s infrastructure.”

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The letter was also signed by U.S. Representatives Stephanie Murphy (D-FL-07), Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ-01), Lou Correa (D-CA-46), Anthony Brindisi (D-NY-22), Kurt Schrader (D-OR-05), Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA-02), Rep. Ed Case (D-HI-01), Rep. Jim Cooper (D-TN-05), Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA-16), Rep. Charlie Crist (D-FL-13), Rep. Joe Cunningham (D-SC-01), Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX-15), Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), Rep. Daniel Lipinski (D-IL-03), Rep. Ben McAdams (D-UT-04), Rep. Max Rose (D-NY-11), Rep. David Scott (D-GA-13), Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11), Rep. Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM-02), Rep. Jeff Van Drew (D-NJ-02), and Rep. Filemon Vela (D-TX-34)—all members of the Blue Dog Coalition.

Click here for a signed copy of the bipartisan letter.

Background

Spanberger is working to strengthen communications, transportation, and electrical infrastructure throughout Central Virginia. Last Week, Spanberger secured an appointment to serve on the House Agriculture Committee’s Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit Subcommittee. As part of this role, she will focus on rural development issues—including expanding rural broadband access and infrastructure in Central Virginia’s rural and underserved communities.

Since arriving in the U.S. House, Spanberger has pushed for bipartisan discussions on a variety of legislative priorities. Earlier this month, Spanberger joined a bipartisan group of her colleagues at the White House to discuss the partial government shutdown and to underscore its negative impacts on federal workers in Central Virginia and across the country.

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