Key Features of President Joe Biden’s Landmark Infrastructure Bill

Despite representatives of the US Congress debating for well over 50 hours on the subject of the $1 trillion infrastructure package, all 2,700 pages of the bill, it still is not guaranteed to get passed. However, it is not simply its enormity that makes it noteworthy. The bill was approved 69-30 majority by 100 members of the US Senate on Tuesday, however, it will now be brought straight to the House of Representatives. Highways, dams, and large constructions: legislators have allocated about one-fifth of government funding in this legislation to all of the elements that are classified under the term infrastructural development. It might be argued that it is long overdue; according to a 2019 World Economic Forum study, the United States is not even included in the top ten nations in terms of transport facilities.

Highways, bridges, and large projects: legislators have allocated about one-fifth of government funding in this package to all of the primary infrastructural projects. In addition, 20% of important roads and highways, as well as 45,000 bridges, are considered. An additional $55 billion has been set aside for freshwater systems, including the replacement of lead pipes as well as the provision of safe drinking water. The inclusion of railways in this landmark bill is predictable for a president who has an Amtrak station named after him. $66 billion has been allocated towards passenger and cargo rail upgrades, with subsidies also available for high-speed and intercity train services.

The cash will also be used to extend train service outside the eastern shore. The technological gap has been a national concern in recent times, with disparities highlighted by work-from-home requirements. This allocation aims to provide dependable internet connectivity to millions of people living in rural and low-income areas. Businesses that get a portion of this federal funding must provide lower-priced services and enable users to evaluate prices. A plan is also in the works to subsidize broadband and similar technologies for low-income households. Green energy was a major component of the Presidents campaign. This bill allocates billions of dollars to the construction of new electricity lines, the reconstruction of aging electric systems, and increasing the adoption of sustainable energy. Constructing power lines with greater voltage capabilities will be critical to distributing this renewable energy throughout the nation. Upwards of 12 billion have been dedicated to the electrification of public transit and constructing additional electric vehicle charging stations. And, $21 billion towards clearing water and soil in abandoned mines and oilfields.

Lawmakers said the plan will be funded by surplus economic relief money, cryptocurrency tariffs, and the postponement of a healthcare reimbursement plan, among several other sources. The impartial Congressional Budget Office predicted that this expenditure plan will add $256 billion US’s deficit within the next decade, disregarding the income generated by certain infrastructural investments.