Infrastructure

U.S. Congress

•

30 days

Summary

members
113
Narrative Items
171
Bottom Line Up Front

113 members in U.S. Congress are amplifying 171 narrative items relating to the narrative of America's urgent need for infrastructure modernization. The themes highlight the challenges posed by regulations and delays, while showcasing successful projects as models for efficient rebuilding, emphasizing the necessity for reform to overcome existing housing and transportation deficiencies.

Reviewing a number of the most relevant narrative items indicates that Mike Quigley (D-IL) is painting a stark picture of America's infrastructure crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for modernization. His characterization of the C- grade reflects a negative portrayal of current conditions, aiming to illustrate the dire consequences of neglecting infrastructure. Quigley employs emotionally charged language, stressing the frustration caused by "complex regulations" and "bureaucratic delays," which effectively conveys a sense of urgency and despair regarding the slow pace of progress on critical projects. There are signs of bias in his perspective, aligning closely with pro-reform advocacy, which may influence his audience to support regulatory changes. In comparison to other media sources' more neutral takes on the infrastructure bill, Quigley's assertion that projects like New York's Second Avenue Subway exemplify failure highlights a more alarmist view, while suggesting that success stories like Pennsylvania’s I-95 repair should be the standard. This contrast shows a significant variation in portrayal, from emphasizing ineffectiveness to showcasing individual successes, ultimately driving home the point that immediate action is necessary to achieve a more functional infrastructure system.

About This Module

The U.S. Congress module tracks the official blogs, video channels, and social media accounts of all United States senators and representatives.

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Members

Members by Type
Members of these types represent most of the amplification activity around this narrative
members by Volume
These members are amplifying the most items involved in this narrative. Click to see details of each member's narrative activity.
Top members
Day-by-day volumetric activity of members amplifying the most items around this narrative
Ted Cruz (R-TX)
5% of the items in this brief were amplified by this member.
Scott Peters (D-CA)
3% of the items in this brief were amplified by this member.
Randy Feenstra (R-IA)
3% of the items in this brief were amplified by this member.
Mark Warner (D-VA)
2% of the items in this brief were amplified by this member.
Eric Burlison (R-MO)
2% of the items in this brief were amplified by this member.
Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS)
2% of the items in this brief were amplified by this member.
Todd Young (R-IN)
2% of the items in this brief were amplified by this member.
Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
2% of the items in this brief were amplified by this member.
Dan Newhouse (R-WA)
2% of the items in this brief were amplified by this member.
Don Bacon (R-NE)
2% of the items in this brief were amplified by this member.
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Top Items

These narrative items are the most relevant and/or the most amplified. Click to see details and suggested messages.
Amplifiers:
Mike Quigley (D-IL)
quigley.house.gov
It’s time to accelerate modernizing America’s infrastructure
America's aging infrastructure, receiving a C- grade, necessitates urgent modernization. Despite a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, progress is hampered by complex regulations and bureaucratic delays, exemplified by protracted projects like New York's Second Avenue Subway. Faster construction, seen in Pennsylvania's I-95 repair, demonstrates the possibility of efficient rebuilding, requiring regulatory reform to address housing and transportation shortfalls.
Amplifiers:
Dan Newhouse (R-WA)
washingtontimes.com
Hydropower leads the way in energy infrastructure
Rep. Dan Newhouse advocates for maintaining the Lower Snake River dams, crucial for hydropower in the Pacific Northwest. These dams provide affordable energy, support commerce, and coexist with salmon populations, despite past efforts to breach them. Newhouse introduced legislation to protect the dams and ensure energy security amidst rising energy demands.
Amplifiers:
Mike Quigley (D-IL)
washingtontimes.com
It’s time to accelerate modernizing America’s infrastructure
America's aging infrastructure, receiving a C- grade, necessitates urgent modernization. Despite a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, progress is hampered by complex regulations and bureaucratic delays, exemplified by lengthy project timelines. Streamlining regulations and fostering innovative approaches are crucial to accelerating construction and addressing housing shortages.
Amplifiers:
Bruce Westerman (R-AR)
washingtontimes.com
Special Section: American Infrastructure: Building the Future
This Washington Times supplement, authored by Rep. Brett Guthrie, highlights American infrastructure's crucial role in shaping history through innovation and technological advancement. It emphasizes the nation's capacity to build and improve for the future.
Amplifiers:
Eric Burlison (R-MO)
washingtontimes.com
Trump’s regulation reversal: Revitalizing transportation and infrastructure
President Trump's re-election reversed Biden's progressive policies, deemed harmful to the economy. Trump's administration rescinded regulations, revitalizing infrastructure and transportation by cutting red tape and prioritizing efficiency. This aims to stimulate economic growth and restore confidence in America's future.
Amplifiers:
Dan Newhouse (R-WA)
newhouse.house.gov
Exclusive: Hydropower leads the way in energy infrastructure
Hydroelectric dams in the Pacific Northwest are crucial for energy infrastructure, providing affordable power and supporting various industries. Despite previous attempts to breach them, legislation like the Northwest Energy Security Act aims to protect these dams, ensuring energy reliability and economic stability for the region. The dams' role in salmon survival is also addressed, emphasizing coexistence rather than demolition.
Amplifiers:
Mike Collins (R-GA)
washingtontimes.com
Building 21st century water infrastructure for our 21st century economy
America's aging water infrastructure, including locks, dams, and ports, hinders economic growth. Outdated infrastructure, bureaucratic hurdles, and regulations cause delays in crucial projects like the Wilson Lock and Brunswick Harbor. The author, a House Subcommittee chairman, advocates for modernization to improve efficiency and competitiveness.
Amplifiers:
Brian Babin (R-TX)
washingtontimes.com
Flowing forward: How Texas is leading the charge in water infrastructure
Rep. Brian Babin highlights Texas' crucial need for improved water infrastructure. He emphasizes the importance of preventative measures, like the Ike Dike, to mitigate costly disaster recovery. He advocates for increased investment in ports, waterways, and resilient infrastructure, leveraging technology and collaboration to ensure future growth and security.
Amplifiers:
Edward Markey (D-MA)
usa.streetsblog.org
U.S. DOT Orders Review of All Grants Related to Green Infrastructure, Bikes — Streetsblog USA
The U.S. Department of Transportation, under Secretary Duffy, has halted all Biden-era discretionary grants for bike lanes and green infrastructure, citing Trump-era executive orders. This affects projects focused on climate, equity, and accessibility, sparking outrage from lawmakers and advocacy groups who condemn the move as harming communities and ignoring local needs.
Amplifiers:
Scott Peters (D-CA)
scottpeters.house.gov
SOUNDING THE ALARM: House Republican Budget Cuts Annual Cross-Border Sewage Infrastructure Funding in Half
House Republicans' proposed budget cuts annual funding for the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant (SBIWTP) by half, from $156 million to $78 million. Rep. Peters, who secured $650 million for SBIWTP repairs and expansion, opposes the cuts, citing the risk of returning to previous states of disrepair and jeopardizing community health and national security.
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Entities

Tap or click for details
These entities are mentioned most frequently in the narratives highlighted in this brief. Click to see details of narrative activity related to each one.
Technologies
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
A digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of facilities.
3D Printing
A technology that can be used in construction for rapid prototyping.
Drones
Used for surveying and monitoring construction sites.
Organizations
American Society of Civil Engineers
An organization that assesses infrastructure quality.
Federal Highway Administration
A government agency overseeing highway infrastructure.
National Association of Home Builders
An organization focused on housing and construction issues.
Companies
Bechtel
A construction and project management company involved in infrastructure.
Kiewit Corporation
A construction company that works on large infrastructure projects.
Fluor Corporation
An engineering and construction firm involved in infrastructure development.
Events
Infrastructure Bill Signing
The signing of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill.
Second Avenue Subway Project
A long-delayed subway project in New York City.
I-95 Repair Project
A fast-tracked road repair project in Pennsylvania.
People
Joe Biden
President of the United States who signed the infrastructure bill.
Andrew Cuomo
Former Governor of New York, involved in infrastructure projects.
Tom Wolf
Former Governor of Pennsylvania, overseeing I-95 repairs.
Technologies
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
A digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of facilities.
3D Printing
A technology that can be used in construction for rapid prototyping.
Drones
Used for surveying and monitoring construction sites.
Organizations
American Society of Civil Engineers
An organization that assesses infrastructure quality.
Federal Highway Administration
A government agency overseeing highway infrastructure.
National Association of Home Builders
An organization focused on housing and construction issues.
Companies
Bechtel
A construction and project management company involved in infrastructure.
Kiewit Corporation
A construction company that works on large infrastructure projects.
Fluor Corporation
An engineering and construction firm involved in infrastructure development.
Events
Infrastructure Bill Signing
The signing of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill.
Second Avenue Subway Project
A long-delayed subway project in New York City.
I-95 Repair Project
A fast-tracked road repair project in Pennsylvania.
People
Joe Biden
President of the United States who signed the infrastructure bill.
Andrew Cuomo
Former Governor of New York, involved in infrastructure projects.
Tom Wolf
Former Governor of Pennsylvania, overseeing I-95 repairs.

Context

America's aging infrastructure poses significant challenges across various dimensions, including demographics, social issues, and national security. The population is increasingly urbanized, with over 80% living in cities, which intensifies the demand for efficient transportation and housing systems. As cities grow, the need for modern infrastructure becomes critical to support economic activities and improve quality of life.

Economically, the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill aims to revitalize roads, bridges, and public transit, yet bureaucratic hurdles and complex regulations slow progress. Projects like New York's Second Avenue Subway illustrate how delays can hinder economic growth and exacerbate social inequalities, as underserved communities often rely on public transport. In contrast, successful projects like the I-95 repair in Pennsylvania highlight that with streamlined processes, timely improvements are achievable.

Politically, infrastructure investment is often a contentious issue, with debates over funding, priorities, and the role of federal versus state governments. The need for regulatory reform is evident, as outdated policies can stifle innovation and efficiency in construction.

Geographically, the vast and diverse landscape of the U.S. presents unique challenges, from urban centers to rural areas, each requiring tailored infrastructure solutions. National security is also a concern; inadequate infrastructure can impede emergency response and resilience against natural disasters or other threats.

In summary, addressing America's infrastructure issues is not just about physical repairs but also involves navigating complex social, economic, and political landscapes to ensure sustainable development and national security.
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