Wasserman Schultz Votes to Repair Florida’s Crumbling Infrastructure and Advance Historic Health, Child, Climate, Job Building Legislation

Washington, November 6, 2021
Dual legislative package delivers massive benefits to Florida’s families and economy

Washington D.C. – Last night, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) voted to deliver a historic, bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to President Joe Biden’s desk that will put thousands of Floridians to work and modernize the state’s ailing infrastructure. The Congresswoman also voted to advance the Build Back Better (BBB) Act, which when signed into law, will boldly confront climate change, and make the largest investment in America’s working families and safety net since the New Deal.

“Florida’s tourism economy relies on a strong, modern travel network and Democrats sent bold, job-producing legislation to President Biden that will repair our dilapidated water systems and fix our crumbling roads and bridges. The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will do all that by putting thousands of Floridians to work with union and good-paying jobs,” Wasserman Schultz said. “As for our hard-working families, the Build Back Better Act will help cover health and childcare costs and offer paid family leave, universal pre-k programs and extends a child tax credit, putting more money in the pockets of parents and caretakers. Seniors struggling to pay for home care or prescriptions would see lower costs by allowing Medicare to cover hearing care and begin negotiations for lower drug prices. BBB represents the most significant federal investment to confront climate change in American history, and will produce high-paying, green jobs. The package is fiscally responsible, requiring corporations and the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share.”

Florida has more than 400 bridges and 3,500 highway miles in need of repair. This Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will be swiftly signed into law, and revive Florida’s aging roadways, ports, airports and water systems. Based on federal formulas, Florida can compete for or receive:

  • $13.1 billion for federal-aid highway programs over five years.
  • $245 million for bridge replacement and repairs over five years.
  • A $12.5 billion Bridge Investment Program
  • $2.6 billion over five years to upgrade our public transit systems.
  • Apply for a $2.5 billion grant to expand its electric vehicle charging network.
  • $1.6 billion to improve its water infrastructure.

####