Bipartisan lawmakers introduce $35 billion water infrastructure bill
By Rachel Frazin - 03/23/21 05:48 PM EDT
A bipartisan group of lawmakers on Tuesday introduced a bill that seeks to give states more money to address aging water infrastructure, putting funds toward reducing lead levels and projects to address the impacts of climate change.
The legislation, put forth by three Democrats and three Republicans on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, offers $35 billion for water resources.
It comes in addition to the $3 trillion package that the White House is working on, which would reportedly include $400 billion for climate-related measures.
The water bill's bipartisan backing could mean it has a decent shot of gaining the 60 Senate votes necessary to bypass the filibuster and eventually become law.
“From permanent brain damage from drinking water contaminated with lead, to overflowing sewage, Americans across the country are now experiencing what happens when our drinking water and wastewater systems age into a state of disrepair,†Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) said in a statement.
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https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/544587-bipartisan-lawmakers-introduce-35-billion-water-infrastructure-bill