FACT SHEET: As President Biden Announces Historic Transportation Investments, Extreme House Republicans Try to Slash Infrastructure Funding | The White House

Investing in Infrastructure for Sustainable Development

Under the leadership of President Biden, the United States is taking significant steps towards addressing its infrastructure needs. The aim is to ensure that people and goods can travel safely, quickly, and conveniently. Today, President Biden is proud to announce a groundbreaking investment of $16.4 billion for passenger rail projects. This investment, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, represents the largest ever made in passenger rail since the establishment of Amtrak.

While the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to improving travel experiences, House Republicans are taking actions that would have the opposite effect. They are jeopardizing American infrastructure by proposing an appropriations bill that drastically reduces funding for Amtrak and transportation and infrastructure programs. In fact, the President has stated that he would veto this extreme bill, which not only slashes support for infrastructure nationwide but also adds billions to the deficit through tax breaks for the wealthy.

This bill proposed by extreme House Republicans is just one example of their ongoing efforts to defund infrastructure and harm the American people. They have previously attempted to cut investments in infrastructure in March, May, June, September, and even eliminate hundreds of border patrol officers and tens of thousands of Head Start slots for children. Instead of pursuing these devastating cuts, House Republicans should follow the lead of the Senate and work towards a bipartisan funding agreement. They should also act promptly on the Administration’s supplemental funding requests for urgent national security and domestic needs.

Impacts of House Republicans’ Draconian Infrastructure Defunding Bill

• Severely reduce Amtrak service and undermine critical maintenance work by slashing Amtrak funding by $1 billion. This reduction in funding would force Amtrak to cut most, if not all, long-distance services, reduce certain Northeast Corridor regional train frequencies, and delay or cancel nearly 400 capital projects across the country. The Northeast Corridor is the busiest rail corridor in the United States, facilitating 800,000 trips per day in a region that contributes 20 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product.
• Cut transit programs across the country with an 85% cut to the Capital Investment Grant program. This program plays a crucial role in funding projects that enhance transportation options, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve air quality. The proposed cut would have a significant impact on communities nationwide.
• Fail to make critical investments in improving the safety and efficiency of the Nation’s airspace, including funding National Airspace System technology $500 million below the President’s Budget request. This shortfall puts the system at risk of outages, leading to increased delays and cancellations. It also hinders opportunities to enhance safety measures.
• Reduce aviation research funding by over 20 percent, undermining the Federal Aviation Administration’s ability to promote innovations that lower noise and emissions, improve efficiency, and help control flight costs.

This extreme bill also includes deep cuts to housing programs, which would have the following impacts:

• Result in 20,000 fewer affordable homes being constructed, rehabbed, or purchased due to a nearly 70% cut to the HOME Investment Partnerships Program at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This reduction would have a significant impact on communities across the nation.
• Put 78,000 children at greater risk of lead exposure by rescinding over $564 million for programs that mitigate housing-related risks of lead poisoning and other illnesses and hazards, particularly among lower-income families and children.

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure.
• SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable.
• SDG 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems.
• SDG 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities.
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
• SDG 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 9.1: Investment in infrastructure projects and maintenance work.
• Indicator for SDG 9.4: Funding for retrofitting industries and upgrading infrastructure.
• Indicator for SDG 11.2: Reduction or increase in transit programs funding.
• Indicator for SDG 11.6: Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and improvement in air quality.
• Indicator for SDG 13.2: Integration of climate change measures in transportation and infrastructure planning.
• Indicator for SDG 16.6: Transparency and accountability in funding decisions and budget allocations.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

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Source: whitehouse.gov

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