'We have a deal': Biden announces bipartisan infrastructure agreement
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Thursday announced a deal on a bipartisan infrastructure package, endorsing a proposal by a group of 10 senators in a significant boost to one of his top legislative priorities.
“We have a deal,” Biden said in a surprise appearance outside the White House.
"They have my word, I'll stick with what they've proposed. And they've given me their word as well. Where I come from that's good enough for me."
The White House said that the bipartisan group agreed to modernize and expand transit and rail networks across the country; repair and rebuild roads and bridges with the aim of mitigating the impacts of climate change; build a system of electric vehicle charging stations; invest in electric school and transit buses; replace the nation's lead pipes; ensure all Americans have access to reliable high-speed internet; protect infrastructure against cyberattacks, among other elements.
The deal could still face several obstacles getting approved by Congress.
Biden said he'll seek to "attract all the Democrats" to support a separate package that addresses his "human infrastructure proposals."
Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, called it "a good compromise that's going to help the American people."
"I'm pleased to see we were able to come together on a core infrastructure package," he said, adding that it will be done "without new taxes."
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said, "We've agreed on the price tag, the scope and how to pay for it."
The group has not publicly released details about the agreement.
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., said it would include clean energy provisions.
"It invests in green energy and climate," she said. "We are delighted to go back to the hill and earn more support."
