On the recordJune 30, 2020
Mr. Speaker, America's infrastructure is in woeful disrepair. Our roads and bridges are crumbling; many areas still lack reliable internet service; and there are even places in the United States where the tap water is unsafe to drink. We need these major investments. With more than 40 million Americans out of work, the pandemic crisis has had a devastating impact, and the consequences for our Nation are apparent. The Democrats' Moving Forward Act will create jobs, reinvigorate our economy, and also modernize our infrastructure. All corners of the Nation will benefit from this package, including my home State in western and central Massachusetts. Bold investments in broadband and the rail system are particularly good news for our region's economy, workers, and students. Rail, $19 billion--perhaps we will see our long-held vision of rail transportation from Boston to Worcester to Springfield on to Pittsfield occur as well. This is smart and responsible. The Ways and Means Committee contributed the largest tax investment in combating climate change that Congress has ever made, and it is in legislative form and in legislative language. This legislation promotes investments in clean energy technologies, incentivizes the greening of the fleet, rewards renewable energy projects, and engages in responsible labor practices with priorities on workers' rights and well-being.…