Congress has approved the Biden administration’s infrastructure bill. The bill sets aside more than a trillion dollars for short- and long-term projects, including road and bridge construction, transportation upgrades, and increased access to broadband, which will also create jobs. The administration hopes the bill’s success will create momentum for passage of the Build Back Better act, which would fund preschool and provide other support for families. Listen to the Secretary of Transportation describe some of the infrastructure projects funded by the bill and how they might improve peoples’ lives.
Story Length: 4:35
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June 14, 2021
4:37
Many of America’s highways were built in the mid 1950s when the Eisenhower administration expanded the nation’s network of roads. The new freeways often ran right through thriving, ethnically diverse communities, destroying them. Now, the Biden administration is working to dismantle some of the highway projects that they say resulted from a pattern of discrimination against communities of color. Listen to a history professor explain how systemic racism has shaped the development of America’s freeways and how these past wrongs might be remedied.
Read MoreApril 19, 2021
4:43
President Biden has ambitious plans to improve America’s infrastructure and create new jobs. He recently announced the American Jobs Plan, a $2 trillion proposal to fix roads, bridges, and highways, expand broadband access, support green energy projects, and more. The new plan would create millions of jobs, Biden says, and help America keep up with powerful economic competitors like China. Listen to learn more about the president’s new proposal and the changes it would bring.
Read MoreSeptember 14, 2019
2:15
In Newark, New Jersey, and other places like Flint, Michigan, the water that comes out of the tap is no longer safe to drink. Lead that was used to prevent old pipes from rusting has now contaminated it. Listen to hear more about how this water crisis is affecting people’s daily lives and how New Jersey Senator Cory Booker is trying to change the law and use state funds to replace Newark’s old water pipes.
Read MoreNovember 1, 2017
3:44
There is widespread support for infrastructure spending from both Republicans and Democrats in Congress. Funding roads and bridges is good for the economy. It creates jobs, fuels growth, and helps Americans travel more quickly and safely. President Donald Trump promised a $1 trillion infrastructure spending plan as a part of his campaign as well as his presidency. Trump’s new budget has allocated $200 billion in federal money for infrastructure over 10 years, but also cuts programs he calls wasteful, including water facilities and airports. Listen to hear questions and concerns about where the money is going to come from.
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