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WASHINGTON—Congressman Paul D. Tonko responded today to news that President Biden and Vice President Harris have endorsed a $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework that includes transformational investments in our nation’s infrastructure.

“Over the past several weeks, I have travelled throughout our Capital Region highlighting the great and growing needs of our communities,” Congressman Tonko said. “While the legislative text still needs to be drafted, the bipartisan framework announced earlier today would make important, timely investments in our critical structures and systems, which will help to unlock our full potential, creating new-good-paying jobs and rebuilding a stronger, fairer and more just economy for all. While this proposal represents a good starting point, it does not meet all of the challenges we face as a nation and I agree with President Biden that the bipartisan framework must be paired with a robust reconciliation package that more fully addresses climate, human infrastructure and the care economy to ensure that we can truly build back better. I will be pressing hard to ensure that Congress continues to tackle our infrastructure deficiencies and other needs and finishes the people’s work with bold climate solutions that truly meets the moment for our communities.”

Rep. Tonko has pushed for major infrastructure legislation on multiple fronts to address the critical needs of our Capital Region communities and the nation:

• Recently, he addressed the House of Representatives to demand that climate action be included in any new investments by Congress to address America’s infrastructure.
• He advanced legislation to repair and upgrade America’s drinking water systems—his AQUA Act—which would deliver more than $50 billion to repair and upgrade U.S. drinking water systems and $45 billion to remove 10 million lead components from drinking water systems nationwide.
• He also pressed for federal funding to support five Capital Region surface transportation projects, which were included in must-pass legislation and advanced out of committee and to the House floor earlier this month.

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