With the latest talks between President Biden and the Republican Senators on an infrastructure bill falling apart, I took some encouragement from a House caucus of 58 members evenly split between the two parties. In an article called “Bipartisan caucus endorses its own proposal after infrastructure talks fizzle” by Jacqui Heinrich and Edmund DeMarche of Fox News, it notes progress from the group.
Here are a few paragraphs, with a link to the entire article below.
“Shortly after talks on President Biden’s infrastructure plan fell through on Tuesday when talks between the White House and Republican senators fizzled, there was significant movement on an additional bipartisan effort to come up with a deal.
The House Problem Solvers Caucus voted and endorsed its own proposal: an 8-year package that comes with a $1.249 trillion price tag, including about $500 billion in new spending. (The actual new spending is $761.8 billion over the timeframe, but an aide for Rep. Josh Gottheimer, the Democrat co-chair of the caucus, made an error. It is yet to be seen if the revised number becomes an issue going forward. The error does not affect the total price tag.)
The 58-member group, which consists of 29 Democrats and 29 Republicans, came up with the proposal called, ‘Building Bridges: Bipartisan Physical Infrastructure Framework.’ The bill calls for $587 billion for highway and bridges, $160 billion for transit, $24 billion on electric vehicle infrastructure among other initiatives. The endorsement requires that the group votes as a bloc, should the bill formally take shape and come to the floor.
GOP lawmakers offered a $928 billion infrastructure proposal that included roughly $330 billion in new spending on related projects. Biden had proposed a $1.7 trillion spending plan funded by tax hikes on corporations and the wealthiest Americans.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, the Republican co-chair of the caucus, said in a statement that the group worked ‘tirelessly to put together this bipartisan framework that is both responsive to local needs and worthy of the public’s trust. Infrastructure investment can and will deliver real benefits to every American and additionally, has the unique power to unite us as a nation. An investment in our roads, rails, bridges, IT infrastructure, and electrical grid is an investment in our nation, our economy, and our families,’ he said.”
Since I wrote again recently urging legislators to stop worry about keeping their jobs and start doing their jobs, I wanted to report this excellent progress. Collaboration is the way forward in this time of tribal politics. Hopefully, something will happen on this topic as it has been needed for about ten years.
Bipartisan caucus endorses its own proposal after infrastructure talks fizzle | Fox News
musingsofanoldfart 
That sounds like real progress Keith. Some much more reasonable heads than in the Senate
Hugs
David, it does. These fifty-eight folks are to be commended, but they still only represent about 13% of the House. We need more of them and a like group in the Senate. Keith
Moscow Mitch must be seething: how dare these guys work together and propose something sensible!
Clive, true, but he also is plotting. Senator McConnell cannot go to the bathroom without it being a political calculation. Keith
This is promising, but I have a feeling McConnell has plans to torpedo it.
Kim, what many Americans fail to realize is a key reason we did not get the Chicago Summer Olympics is the Olympic Committee felt our infrastructure was lacking. If this fails and when the next train or highway bridge collapses and people are hurt or killed, Congress will say “how did you let this happen?” This is how. Keith
We will see… it’s hard to imagine Mitch allowing anything to pass that represents a bipartisan agreement.
Janis, long before the Age of Trump, I have felt Senator McConnell placed helping people beneath political gain in priority. That is a sad statement to make about a legislator. Keith
I wish I shared your optimism, Keith. The Republicans will not consider any plan that has any revenue increases at all. They want to reuse money allocated for Covid relief, which is still needed by state and local governments. These are not viable proposals. And expect McConnell to disrupt, as he’s been candid that he wants no legislation that Biden seeks.
Annie, the optimism is very cautious. I do not expect good governance from Mitch McConnell. I expect what he thinks is temporarily good for his party. Again, we are ten years behind on infrastructure improvements and something will break. Keith