Tuesday, November 16, 2021
“America is on the move again”
Biden launches a huge investment package
Biden is struggling with weak polls and resistance in their own ranks. By signing a billion dollar infrastructure package, the US president can put a point among months of squabbling in his party – and plans to get another package off the ground before Thanksgiving.
The politically ailing US President Joe Biden was able to celebrate a success with the signing of a billion dollar infrastructure package. Biden signed the bill for $ 1.2 trillion in a ceremony outside the White House. “My message to the Americans is: America is on the move again, and your life will change for the better,” said the President in a speech to numerous invited guests on the south side of the White House.
Congress passed the largest investment package of its kind in the United States since the 1950s a week and a half ago. The money is to flow into roads, bridges, ports, rail traffic, new water pipes, charging stations for electric cars and the expansion of broadband internet, among other things.
MEPs from Biden’s Democrats voted in favor of the law, as did MPs and senators from the opposition Republicans. Such bipartisan initiatives are rare in view of the deep political division in the country. Biden called the bill “proof” that Democrats and Republicans can work together and “deliver” regardless of what “cynics” might say.
Another package before Thanksgiving?
Over the infrastructure package, however, there had been internal party disputes among Biden’s Democrats for months. MPs from the left wing of the party only wanted to approve the law if at the same time an even larger social and climate protection package made progress. Biden hopes this second package, which will last at $ 1.75 trillion, will be finalized before the Thanksgiving holiday on November 25th. But there is still resistance from the conservative wing of the Democrats.
The months-long deadlock on his reform agenda had seriously damaged Biden. The president is currently under massive pressure, also in view of the high inflation as a result of the corona pandemic. His poll numbers have plummeted. According to a poll published over the weekend, only 41 percent of US citizens are satisfied with the way he has been in office, 53 percent are dissatisfied.
After a bitter defeat in the gubernatorial election in the state of Virginia two weeks ago, the Democrats are now worried about the congressional mid-term election in a year. The Republicans could then win back majorities in the Senate and House of Representatives.