In a significant bipartisan achievement, congressional leaders have reached a series of agreements in recent years to fund critical infrastructure projects across the United States. These landmark deals have paved the way for billions in new investments to modernize the nation's transportation systems, public health facilities, and other vital components of the country's physical and social infrastructure.
The most recent breakthrough came in March 2024, when lawmakers from both parties reached a bipartisan agreement to increase funding for Alzheimer's public health infrastructure by $100 million. This funding boost will help state and local governments strengthen resources and services for the growing number of Americans living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
"This bipartisan deal shows that when Democrats and Republicans work together, we can deliver real results for the American people," said Senate Majority Leader Jane Doe. "Investing in our public health infrastructure is critical to supporting patients, families, and communities impacted by devastating diseases like Alzheimer's."
The new Alzheimer's funding builds on previous infrastructure agreements, including the landmark $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed into law in November 2021. That bill provided $550 billion in new funding for a wide range of projects, from repairing crumbling bridges and roads to expanding access to high-speed internet and clean drinking water.
"The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was a game-changer, making the single largest federal investment in public transit, bridges, and clean energy in our nation's history," said House Speaker John Smith. "This bipartisan law is already helping to create good-paying jobs, boost economic growth, and improve quality of life in communities across the country."
The infrastructure funding push has continued in 2023 and 2024, with the President and congressional leaders reaching a bipartisan budget agreement in August 2023 that included appropriations for additional infrastructure projects. In a letter to Congress, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) highlighted the critical national security and economic implications of these investments, urging lawmakers to come together and deliver the necessary resources.
"The world is watching, and the American people rightly expect their leaders to come together and address our infrastructure needs," the OMB letter stated. "Providing these funds is essential to bolstering our economic competitiveness, enhancing public safety, and strengthening national security."
The bipartisan approach to infrastructure funding has drawn praise from a wide range of stakeholders, including business leaders, labor unions, and advocacy groups. Many have emphasized the importance of continued cooperation between Democrats and Republicans to tackle the country's most pressing challenges.
"These infrastructure agreements show that when our elected officials put partisanship aside and focus on the needs of the American people, great things can be accomplished," said Jane Doe, president of the National Infrastructure Alliance. "We urge Congress to build on this momentum and continue working together to modernize and strengthen the foundation of our communities."
As the country looks ahead, the bipartisan infrastructure deals have generated optimism about the potential for further collaboration on other critical national priorities. With the American people closely watching, lawmakers from both parties have demonstrated that principled compromise and a shared commitment to the public good can yield tangible progress on the issues that matter most.