On March 31, President Biden announced a $2.3 trillion “once-in-a-generation” infrastructure plan called the “
American Jobs Plan.”
The plan includes $650 billion for infrastructure at home including $111 billion for clean drinking water, $100 billion for high-speed broadband, $100 billion for electrical infrastructure, $213 billion for affordable and sustainable housing, $137 billion for public schools, early learning centers, and community colleges, and $28 billion for other programs.
The plan also includes $621 billion in transportation infrastructure including $115 billion for highways, bridges, and roads, $85 billion for public transit, $80 billion for passenger and freight rail, $174 billion for electric vehicles, $42 billion for airports, water transit, and ports, $45 billion for transportation inequities, $50 billion for infrastructure resilience, and $30 billion for other projects.
Additionally, the plan includes $180 billion for research and development, $300 billion for manufacturing and small business, and $100 billion for workforce development, totaling $680 billion. Specific programs include funding for the CHIPS Act, the Manufacturing Extensions Partnerships program, and
more.
Furthermore, the plan includes $400 billion for home and community-based care for elderly and disabled people.
Alongside the American Jobs Plan, the Biden Administration is asking Congress to pass the “Made in America Tax Plan” which would implement tax changes including raising the corporate tax rate and closing loopholes. It is estimated to generate $2 trillion over the next 15 years.
Republicans
criticized the plan, arguing that is expands the definition of “infrastructure” and is seeking to redefine it. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has
called the plan a “Trojan horse” where Democrats have “thrown everything but the kitchen sink into it,” because it includes progressive policies that Democrats have wanted to advance for years under the guise of an “infrastructure bill.”
Earlier this week, Senate Republicans
proposed a $568 billion, five-year infrastructure package as a counteroffer. Their plan focuses narrowly on traditional infrastructure projects and broadband access. The Republican plan would not result in higher taxes but would be fully paid for with user fees on electric vehicles and other items, unspent federal funds, and possible contributions from state and local governments. White House press secretary Jen Psaki
called the Republican proposal a “good faith effort” and said that the President is willing to negotiate in the coming weeks.