July 2, 2020 by David Silverberg
Yesterday, July 1, the US House of Representatives passed a $1.5 trillion new infrastructure investment bill by a vote of 233 to 188.
The Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation (INVEST) in America Act (House Resolution (HR) 2), generically known as the Moving Forward Act, would make investments in highways, transit, safety, research, clean energy and hazardous material safety, reauthorize numerous existing programs, create jobs and renew the nation’s infrastructure.
Of Southwest Florida’s congressional representatives, Rep. Francis Rooney (R-19-Fla.) was absent and Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-25-Fla.) and Greg Steube (R-17-Fla.) voted against it.
House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-12-Fla.) stated the House had “taken a bold step to move America forward, as we deliver on our For The People promise to increase paychecks by rebuilding America with green, resilient, modern and job-creating infrastructure by passing HR 2, the Moving Forward Act.”
She called the bill “bold and transformational” and stated it would promote clean energy, create jobs and ensure provision of clean water while restoring existing American infrastructure.
In explaining his “nay” vote, Steube tweeted: “Congress has already gone trillions over budget and Speaker Pelosi won't stop. HR 2 is just another expensive attempt to shove the Green New Deal through Congress. This legislation contains radical leftist provisions that will cost our country billions.”
The bill now goes to the Senate where Senate Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said: “House Democrats appear addicted to pointless political theater. So naturally, this nonsense is not going anywhere in the Senate. It will just join the list of absurd House proposals that were only drawn up to show fealty to the radical left.”