Biden to GOP: 'Don't get in the way' of infrastructure plan

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By LISA MASCARO and JONATHAN LEMIRE

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is warning naysayers in Congress not to “get in the way” of his big infrastructure plans as the White House panned a counteroffer from Republican senators to tap unused COVID-19 relief for a more modest investment in roads, highways and other traditional public works projects.

After touring a manufacturing technology center Thursday at a community college in Cleveland, Biden held up a card with the names of Republicans lawmakers who had rejected his coronavirus aid bill in Washington but later promoted its assistance when they were back home in front of voters. He warned them not to play similar games as he pushes this next legislative priority in Congress.

“I’m not going to embarrass anyone, but I have here a list,” he said. “If you’re going to take credit for what we’ve done,” he continued, “don’t get in the way of what we need to do.”

The political arguments over Biden’s ambitious proposals are quickly distilling into a debate over the size and scope of what all sides agree are sorely needed upgrades to the nation’s aging and outmoded infrastructure.



President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the economy at the Cuyahoga Community College Metropolitan Campus, Thursday, May 27, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)


Read more: https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-business-government-and-politics-533c63943ab104d714f2583cb135f2e0

[kacekwl]

1. I've heard President Biden

likes to drive fast. Keep the pedal down Mr. President and pass any stragglers.

[OldBaldy1701E]

2. If they are 'sorely needed'

Why did you neglect them all for decades? (Answer: they were too busy dick waving and making themselves richer at the country's expense. And, we let them.)

[Ligyron]

3. The results of any infrastructure improvements won't be seen for a decade

Meanwhile Republicans and the Magats will complain about how the roads are all screwed up now thanks to Biden and the librul Democrats.

You know it will happen, just watch.

[Bob_in_VA]

6. I think you are wrong

While it is true that the new roads, bridges, water treatment plants, etc. will be years down the road, the other part of the infrastructure plan will be seen immediately, tens of thousands of good paying, long term jobs. The immediate boost to local economies will leave the Repubs cleft on a forked stick - do I claim credit for something that I clearly opposed (just as they are doing now. And don't think his/her Democratic opponent will fail to point this out - loudly and often) or do I continue telling my constituents that it's all a big lie, that this will only lead to massive inflation and national economic ruin?

I think many of the voters that have supported the Rs will change their votes to Ds. Why? Because, in many ways what we have in this country is a similar situation to what existed in post-war America, an opportunity to modernize the country after the economic collapse of the Great Depression. If you look at the period 1946 - 1960 there was a boom in infrastructure building. This produced prosperity for the working and middle classes. They, in turn, rewarded the Democrats with control of the House and even in the Senate it was moderate, and even liberal, Republicans who were voted into office. Republicans who, at least in public, echoed the Democrats vis-a-vis infrastructure spending.

[Bayard]

7. Yes

It will take awhile to see that new bridge or paved road, but I see unemployment rates of people with the appropriate skills nose diving. And more kids going for engineering degrees.

[Bucky]

4. They'll be taking credit for it back in their districts a month from now

[area51]

5. "I'm not going to embarrass anyone, but I have here a list...."

[jalan48]

8. Their goal is to obstruct any legislation (other than tax cuts) the Democrats propose. What can we

do when they get in the way?

[FlyingPiggy]

9. I sure hope he starts addressing the voting rights act with the same vigor. I am watching things

happening on the state level and it is scaring the crap out of me. It NEEDS to be prioritized and addressed. I don't feel we are safe until it is addressed.

[BumRushDaShow]

10. I saw a tweet from Marc Elias about H.R. 1

Link to tweet

TEXT

Democracy Docket
@DemocracyDocket
🚨
ALERT: Senator Majority Leader Schumer announces that he will bring the #ForThePeopleAct to the floor for a vote in late June. The sweeping election reform bill was previously stalled in committee earlier this month.
Sen. Schumer to Force H.R. 1 Vote in June
Read Senator Schumer's letter to the Democratic Caucus here.
democracydocket.com
4:48 PM · May 28, 2021

Sounds like they are timing it right after "Juneteenth" (June 19th, which is on a Saturday this year).

Link to tweet

TEXT

Chuck Schumer
@SenSchumer
This Senate will vote on the #ForThePeople Act in June.

It is essential to defending our democracy and stopping the wave of Republican voter suppression happening in the states in service of Donald Trump’s Big Lie.
1:00 PM · May 28, 2021

Copy of letter - https://www.democracydocket.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2021/05/Dear-Colleague-5.28.21.pdf (PDF)

[FlyingPiggy]

11. Oh thank god. Thank you for posting this. I am so relieved.

[oasis]

12. Actual meaning: "either lead, follow or get the hell out of the way".

Biden's too nice to those assholes.