Infrastructure is vital to the American Ag industry for a variety of reasons. President Joe Biden has proposed spending more than $2 trillion to revitalize America’s transportation infrastructure, water systems as well as expand broadband access in rural America. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg said it’s time to get the infrastructure system updated.

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“There is enormous public impatience to do something here. So, the best thing we have going for us is the fact that we don’t have a lot of work to do to convince the American people that this is a good plan. We’ll continue to work to remind the American people about what’s in it and why we think it’ll make a big difference. And more importantly, why this isn’t about just getting through this quarter or this year economically, but really creating the kind of economic strength that we’re going to need generationally for this country to be thriving.”

Buttigieg said while most Americans think infrastructure updates are vital for the nation’s future, he notes getting an infrastructure bill through Congress isn’t going to be easy.

“Even something that is wildly popular among Democrats and Republicans in every part of the country, we can’t necessarily count on the same level of support on Capitol Hill. And that’s why we’re closely engaging, and not just sharing but listening, as we speak to members of both chambers and both parties. You’ve seen the president convening in the Oval Office members of both parties in the House and Senate.”

Buttigieg said the administration is spending a lot of time talking to members of Congress about the benefits of updating the infrastructure system.

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