Bipartisan Lawmakers Urge Congress and the Administration to Enact Commonsense Infrastructure Legislation and to Put Partisanship Aside to Solve this National Issue

WASHINGTON – Today, Tuesday, May 28, 2019, the Problem Solvers Caucus released a report with bipartisan policy recommendations to build a 21^st Century infrastructure network for America. The Problem Solvers Caucus believes we need to put aside partisanship so, together, we can solve this urgent national issue.

The forty-four-member bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, led by Co-Chairs Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Tom Reed (NY-23), and its Infrastructure Working Group, have found consensus on a bipartisan set of policies. The plan will serve as the foundation for a joint effort to address the dire need to rebuild and responsibly invest in infrastructure across the United States.

These bipartisan policy options address ways to improve the nation’s highways, roads and bridges, transit and railways, ports and airports, water and sewer systems, energy systems and the power grid, and broadband and communications networks.

“Investing in our nation’s infrastructure shouldn’t be a partisan issue — it’s just common sense. It’s why the Problem Solvers Caucus has put aside partisanship to find a solution to fix our crumbling roads, bridges, and tunnels — and the Administration and Congress must do the same. We can’t afford to play political games and keep kicking this problem down the road,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “In New Jersey, too many of our bridges and tunnels are considered unsafe, many of our pipes are filled with lead, our roads and rail are a mess, and many of our residents have no access to broadband at all. Our report provides bipartisan options for solving these problems, like finally investing in the Gateway tunnel project. It’s time to get a better ROI in New Jersey for our existing tax dollars. We must not increase gas taxes – or any taxes for that matter.”

“It’s always better for the country when we act together. The bipartisan infrastructure solutions contained in this report provide Congressional Leadership and the Administration with the building blocks necessary to craft a comprehensive infrastructure plan both parties can agree to,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Tom Reed (NY-23). “We all know our infrastructure is crumbling and we care about the people who feel the impact of our crumbling roads, bridges, ports and utilities every day. Congress must come together to act on this issue now, not later.”

“Fixing our crumbling roads and water infrastructure is not a partisan issue –– it’s something we should be able to come together across party lines to address,” said Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin (MI-8). “I’m proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the Problem Solver’s Caucus to put forth policy ideas that get us closer to passing the robust federal infrastructure package our communities badly need.”

“A modernized infrastructure plan is crucial to future and sustained development for all Nebraskans. It is my hope this plan includes innovation for cross-country ag transportation and infrastructure security, as well as expanded sewage and water infrastructure, enhanced broadband, and road and bridge updates,” said Congressman Don Bacon (NE-2). “I look forward to reviewing this plan in detail, and coming to the table in a bipartisan fashion to get this done.”

“A lack of investment in our infrastructure has led to aging highways, bridges, railways, and ports in Central New York and throughout America. An upgrade to our nation’s infrastructure is long overdue and is necessary to sustain our recent economic growth and ensure safe travel for all Americans,” said Congressman John Katko (NY-24). “Earlier this week, President Trump met with Democratic leaders from both chambers to discuss an infrastructure plan. It is pressing we continue this discussion and begin to craft a meaningful infrastructure package. As a co-chair of the Infrastructure Working Group, I am proud to once again play a lead role in crafting the Problem Solvers Caucus’s plan to address challenges facing our critical infrastructure. This bipartisan proposal highlights areas where Republicans and Democrats agree on improvements to infrastructure across America. I am optimistic these policy ideas will drive the conversation on this important issue and yield impactful results for all Americans.”

“It is of utmost importance that we restore our infrastructure. Whether it is our roads, bridges, and rail service. The future of our nation is dependent on reliable, cutting edge infrastructure which will help insure that we continue to be a nation that is on the cutting edge of the 21st century,” said Congressman Jeff Van Drew (NJ-2).

“It is unacceptable that American families lose $3,400 a year due to deferred infrastructure maintenance,” said Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24). “This plan builds bipartisan momentum to get a robust infrastructure investment package over the finish line. Congress must put politics aside to improve our aging infrastructure, because every American relies on functional roads, bridges, airports, broadband and ports.”

“Democrats and Republicans need to come together to rebuild our infrastructure, create good paying jobs and grow an American economy that is inclusive of a vibrant and robust middle class. This report from the Problem Solvers provides a bipartisan path to creating long and overdue legislation which will accomplish this goal,” said Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-3).

The Problem Solvers Caucus commends Congressman John Katko (NY-24), the previous Infrastructure Working Group Co-Chair for the 115th Congress, for his leadership on these bipartisan policy solutions.

View the Problem Solvers Caucus’ report here.

The Problem Solvers Caucus is a bipartisan group in Congress comprising 44 members – equally divided between Democrats and Republicans – who are committed to forging bipartisan cooperation on key issues. It is co-chaired by Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY).