Investing in A New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America Act
Floor Speech
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Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, America's infrastructure is in woeful disrepair. Our roads and bridges are crumbling; many areas still lack reliable internet service; and there are even places in the United States where the tap water is unsafe to drink.
We need these major investments. With more than 40 million Americans out of work, the pandemic crisis has had a devastating impact, and the consequences for our Nation are apparent.
The Democrats' Moving Forward Act will create jobs, reinvigorate our economy, and also modernize our infrastructure. All corners of the Nation will benefit from this package, including my home State in western and central Massachusetts.
Bold investments in broadband and the rail system are particularly good news for our region's economy, workers, and students. Rail, $19 billion--perhaps we will see our long-held vision of rail transportation from Boston to Worcester to Springfield on to Pittsfield occur as well.
This is smart and responsible. The Ways and Means Committee contributed the largest tax investment in combating climate change that Congress has ever made, and it is in legislative form and in legislative language.
This legislation promotes investments in clean energy technologies, incentivizes the greening of the fleet, rewards renewable energy projects, and engages in responsible labor practices with priorities on workers' rights and well-being. We are going to keep working to make sure that we can have more green jobs that are good jobs, not only in the space of renewable energy production but in the production of zero emission vehicles as well. Prioritizing green jobs will also mean prioritizing manufacturers whose raw materials will power the green economy.
This is a unique opportunity for all of us, for our investments in our communities, our businesses, and in our workers to come out on the other side of this crisis stronger than ever.
Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this legislation. Parliamentary Inquiry
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