July 12, 2023 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC – Today, members of the Regional Leadership Council (RLC) and its chair, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), met with Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for a conversation on the implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Investing in America agenda that Democrats enacted in the 117th Congress. This agenda is making a once-in-a-generation investment in our country’s infrastructure by rebuilding America's roads and bridges, improving airports and harbors, and making broadband and public transportation access more equitable. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is also advancing the development of electric vehicles, batteries, climate-resilient infrastructure, and other green technologies crucial to America's success in the twenty-first-century global economy. Additionally, the law is promoting equity by connecting historically underserved and disadvantaged Americans to new economic opportunities and by removing old highways and railways that purposefully divided these communities. During the meeting, Chairman Hoyer, Secretary Buttigieg, and RLC Members discussed how House Democrats and the Biden-Harris Administration can continue working together to ensure the Investing in America agenda delivers results for every community. Just last week, Secretary Buttigieg joined RLC Region 5 Leader Derek Kilmer (WA-06) to announce federal dollars to support the replacement of Port of Bremerton’s breakwater and other projects in Washington State. Image Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries created the Regional Leadership Council in January 2023 and appointed Congressman Hoyer to serve as its Chair. In addition to Congressman Hoyer, the council consists of twelve Members who each represent one of the United States' twelve regions. The council is working to ensure that Americans in every corner of the country and in every zip code can access the opportunities created by the historic policies that Democrats secured in the 117th Congress, including the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the Honoring Our PACT Act, and many others. “From new jobs to shorter commutes to electric vehicle charging stations, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is providing Americans with the opportunities they need to get ahead,” said Chairman Steny Hoyer. “Earlier this morning, we saw another piece of evidence that the Investing in America agenda is addressing inflation, creating good-paying jobs, and ensuring workers have the tools they need to Make It In America. I was pleased to meet with Secretary Buttigieg today to talk about how the Regional Leadership Council and the Biden-Harris Administration can continue to deliver on the promises of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the other historic laws we passed last Congress. I look forward to coordinating with him as we continue to implement these policies and connect communities to the resources and tools they need most. We must make it as easy as possible for every community – no matter its size or location – to identify and take advantage of these programs. Together, we will ensure that all Americans feel and see the positive impacts of this law and the rest of the Investing in America agenda.” “In every state in America, through 35,000 infrastructure projects and counting, President Biden is delivering better roads and bridges, ferries and airports, transit and train service,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “This work is possible because of Congressional leaders, and I was thrilled to meet with the Regional Leadership Council today to discuss the transportation needs and visions of communities across the country as we continue to invest in every state.” Make sure you keep up with the Regional Leadership Council by visiting our website, signing up for our newsletter, and subscribing to our YouTube channel.
