Representative Andrew Clyde (R-GA-09) said he voted against the recently passed federal infrastructure bill because it contributes to more government waste, stretches out the deficit, and doesn’t concentrate enough on security at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Clyde said this in an emailed newsletter to his constituents this week.
“For too long, our federal government has failed to focus its resources on investments that modernize our infrastructure. Americans desperately need true infrastructure like roads, bridges, broadband, and modern shipping and energy production facilities, that grow our economy and will meet the needs of future generations. Yet under the cover of darkness, Speaker Pelosi forced a vote on a massive $1.2 trillion piece of legislation that is estimated to add more than $250 billion to our nation’s projected debt through 2031,” Clyde wrote.
“What’s more, only 9 percent of the total cost, or $108 billion, is focused on hardened infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and public transportation. The vast majority of this bill is brimming with wasteful spending that advances radical Green New Deal policies, including billions of dollars for carbon capture programs, federally subsidized electric vehicle charging stations, and zero-emission bus grants for intercity transit. At the end of the day, the bill completely fails to address border security infrastructure and to address one of the worst supply chain crises of our lifetime.”’
U.S. Representative Carolyn Bourdeaux (D-GA-07), however, told her constituents in her own emailed newsletter this week that the legislation will reduce congestion and create more economic opportunities.
Bourdeaux said Georgia will receive more than $9 billion for physical infrastructure investment, including highways, safety, and bridge funding. Georgia will also receive an additional $100 million to expand internet broadband coverage statewide. The feds will also give the Peach State $619 million for airport development.
“Improvements to Georgia’s water infrastructure will have $913 million to expand wastewater infrastructure while also improving the safety and quality of water systems. This will help ensure drinking water such as in schools and in childcare centers is safe,” Bourdeaux said.
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal includes unprecedented provisions for clean energy investment, including $135 million for Georgia’s Electric Vehicle charging network and a national $73 billion investment to improve the country’s electric grid. These prioritize renewable energy and combat the effects of climate change in Georgia by powering the green economy and by creating tens of thousands of clean energy jobs per year.”
Clyde, however, said this legislation “is directly tied to President Biden’s Big Government Socialist tax and spend package.”
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Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected].
