Senate Bill Report H.R. 3684

Senate Bill Report H.R. 3684

Title: Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

Brief Description: A $1.2 trillion law passed by congress to rebuild and modernize U.S. infrastructure to try boost the economy and create jobs.

Sponsors:

Lead Sponsors - Kyrsten Sinema (D–AZ)

Rob Portman (R–OH)

Lead Cosponsors - Kyrsten Sinema (D), Rob Portman (R), Joe Manchin (D), Bill Cassidy (R), Susan Collins (R), Mitt Romney (R), Jeanne Shaheen (D), Mark Warner (D), Jon Tester (D), Lisa Murkowski (R)

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Passed Senate 8/10/21

Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works:

Representatives - 19

Democrats - 48

House Majority report:

Representatives - 13

Democrats - 215

Background:

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act gave $1.2 trillion dollars to state & local governments, departments of Transportation, Energy, and Environmental Protection Agency. They used this money to fund transportation, energy systems, internet expansion, and water infrastructure, with additional funding for climate resilience and new technologies.

This law passed in 2021 by Biden created new jobs for construction and engineering to boost the economy as well as fix old outdated systems that needed to be improved. It overall has improved transportation and daily life for citizens, and has expanded internet access to more rural areas.

The bill also created acts of bipartisanship between both parties, with support from both parties from 5 democrats and 5 republicans being the main support behind the bill. And with the actual votes in the senate, 19 rep votes yes. And in the House, 13 rep. voted yes. This type of bipartisan support is nowadays rare in which this shows compromise is still possible in congress.

Critics of the bill argue that it is too expensive and could increase the national debt, placing a burden on taxpayers. Some believe the large spending may contribute to inflation and lead to inefficiency, with risks of waste or delays in projects. Others say funds could be poorly allocated or influenced by politics, and oppose government involvement in industries like electric vehicles. Overall, critics see the bill as excessive spending with uncertain results.

Summary of Bill:

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a $1.2 trillion law passed in 2021 to improve U.S. infrastructure like transportation, energy, internet, and water systems. It created jobs and had bipartisan support, but critics argue it is too expensive and may increase debt, inflation, and government inefficiency.