White House wants Congress to focus on massive infrastructure plan

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The White House is calling for more than $2 trillion to be spent on infrastructure.

On Monday, President Biden met with a bipartisan group of lawmakers in an effort to get his plan through both the House and Senate.

The White House points to Pennsylvania, saying there are more than 3,000 bridges and 7,500 miles of highway in poor condition.

The plan would cover major projects, including one of the busiest trucking routes in the country -- a bridge over the Ohio river which connects Cincinnati to Kentucky.

“It’s been batted around by both parties for a long time so, but the need is now,” said Kentucky resident Brad Slabaugh.

Previous administrations haven’t been able to get funding approved for such a proposal.

President Obama’s infrastructure plan couldn’t pass Congress and President Trump’s plan never materialized.

Republicans argue President Biden’s plan includes some things that have nothing to do with infrastructure.

“It’s about investing in infrastructure not for the 20th century but for the 21st century. It’s not just roads and bridges,” said Biden.

The plan includes $100 billion to expand broadband internet, $400 billion to increase wages for those who care for the elderly and $45 billion to replace lead pipes.

To pay for it, the president wants to raise the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28%, and Republicans are pushing back.

“Let’s do an infrastructure bill. Let’s not turn it into a massive effort to raise taxes on businesses and individuals,” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky).

Biden wants to have his bill passed by Memorial Day.

All Pennsylvania adults can schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointment starting Tuesday Gov. Tom Wolf and the COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force announced Monday that Pennsylvania adults will be eligible to schedule an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine

Cox Media Group