President Biden on Saturday hailed the passing of what he called a “long overdue” infrastructure bill after it passed the House with Republican votes a day earlier — and said “we’re just getting started.”
“Folks, yesterday I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to suggest that we took a monumental step forward as a nation,” a clearly delighted Biden said at a press conference.
The $1.2 trillion bill passed late Friday 228-206 after days of wrangling by Democratic leaders to try and secure votes of progressives — who had wanted it to be coupled with a separate $1.75 trillion spending bill. Democrats and the White House said the bill includes much needed investments in transit, roads and bridges and job creation.
Ultimately, six progressive Democrats voted against it — including members of the Squad such as Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich.
