- Biden signed an infrastructure bill into law, setting up fresh federal money for roads and bridges.
- He called the law "truly consequential, because we made our democracy deliver for the people."
President
The new law brings a fresh infusion of federal money to America's aging public-works system to repair roads and bridges, renovate ports, and expand broadband access, as well as replace every lead pipe in the US.
The president emphasized how lawmakers had managed to break through the partisan gridlock and craft a measure capable of improving people's lives, both tenets guiding his presidency.
"Too often in Washington, the reason we don't get things done is because we insist on getting everything we want," the president said at the signing. "With this law, we focused on getting things done."
"I am signing a law that is truly consequential, because we made our democracy deliver for the people," he said.
Biden was flanked by top Democratic leaders, such as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Some of the Republican lawmakers who voted for the legislation were also present at the bill signing, including Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah, and Rep. Don Young of Alaska.
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House Republicans have faced the brunt of the backlash from conservatives. Former President Donald Trump has bashed the legislation, saying Republicans who supported the legislation should be "ashamed of themselves."
GOP lawmakers received death threats and threatening phone calls for backing the legislation and delivering Biden a major legislative victory, Insider's Robin Bravender reported.
The bill signing comes as House Democrats attempt to pass a $1.8 trillion social spending package within days, setting the stage for Senate action later this month.
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The White House disputes this, arguing that the Build Back Better Legislation will tamp down inflationary pressures by cutting costs for families.