Senator Shaheen will examine what is contained in the $3.5 trillion bill; but she supports many of the programs which have been described as “human infrastructure”.
“We need to not just invest in the infrastructure of our roads, bridges, and water systems. We need to invest in our people in America, and that’s what this second bill is all about.”
In an interview with Chris Ryan, Senator Jeanne Shaheen reacts to the recent mandates from the White House requiring vaccinated individuals to wear masks; lays out some of the specific features of the $550 billion bi-partisan infrastructure bill; breaks down which parts of the record infrastructure spending will directly benefit New Hampshire; discusses the $3.5 trillion bill which deals with human infrastructure; and celebrates the passage of the Afghan Allies Protection Act a bill which was cosponsored by Senator Shaheen.
Senator Shaheen feels that there isn’t an inconsistent message coming from the administration about the effectiveness of the COVID vaccine because the science has changed.
“The Delta Variant of the Coronavirus is so easily spread and so much more contagious; and we’ve learned that people who are vaccinated can carry the virus, not show symptoms, and spread it to others.”
Senator Shaheen, who was one of the negotiators with the Republican lawmakers, describes some of the features of the framework agreement for infrastructure spending.
The proposed $550 billion bill includes the following: the largest investment in trains since Amtrak was created; record spending for bridges; large allocations for increasing access to broadband internet service; and more spending to provide clean water.
The Senator points to specific spending which will benefit New Hampshire, such as funding to address pfas (polyflouroalkyl substances) in the water in communities like Merrimack, help with maintaining the state’s highways and bridges, and funding to bring broadband to the rural areas of the Granite State.
The controversial $3.5 trillion infrastructure bill which deals with social programs and human infrastructure is being pushed through the Senate using the reconciliation process, a legislative maneuver which avoids a filibuster and only requires a simple majority to pass a bill.
Senator Shaheen will take a good look at what is contained in the $3.5 trillion bill; but she is in favor of support for home and community-based services for individuals with disabilities and for senior citizens, provide a living wage for people who work in that industry, provide family medical leave, and more support for childcare and healthcare.
“We need to not just invest in the infrastructure of our roads, bridges, and water systems. We need to invest in our people in America, and that’s what this second bill is all about.”
Senator Shaheen is justifiably proud of the passage of the Afghan Allies Protection Act which she cosponsored with Senator Ernst of Iowa. The bill, which was passed by large margins in both Houses of Congress, will speed up and increase the visa program for the Afghans who gave us assistance.