U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo applauded the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which will fund key commerce initiatives.
“I am thankful for the leadership from both House and Senate, and to President Biden who laid out his vision of how to build our economy back stronger, and more equitably," Raimondo said. "I also want to recognize the support from the business community and labor leaders on these issues. These bills are a huge win for Americans, and I look forward to getting to work to implement these important programs.”
The bill will see the funding of priorities to benefit American workers, including $65 billion to enhance internet access in underserved communities across the country. With this, funding recipients will be required to offer a low-cost affordable plan to consumers and be transparent about pricing to help families comparison shop for service.
An additional $48 billion will be distributed to various organizations to improve climate resiliency, the condition of coastal habitats and increase funding for the Minority Businesses Development Agency (MBDA) to promote the growth of minority-owned businesses.
In her statement, Raimondo said the transformational Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will grow the economy and help ensure every resident has access to reliable high-speed internet—something she states more than 30 million Americans do not currently have. Though Raimondo said the bill is not enough to restore the nation’s competitiveness, passing the Build Back Better Act will address pressing challenges, including care economy, affordable child care and
Senate Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland) said the deal will create economic opportunities for American workers.
“The bipartisan Infrastructure investment & Jobs Act advances @POTUS’ #BuildBackBetter Agenda and makes a generational investment in our nation’s infrastructure while creating good-paying jobs for our workers,” Hoyer wrote in a tweet.
