Rep. Lofgren Statement in Support of Moving Forward Act

SAN JOSE, California, July 2 -- Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-California, issued the following statement on the Moving Forward Act (H.R. 2):

"As we work to jumpstart our economic recovery and address specific community needs during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, I am proud to support smart public policy that sets the stage for the rebuilding of America's crumbling infrastructure. The Moving Forward Act provides a bold investment of $1.5 trillion that would create good-paying jobs, ease congestion, combat the climate crisis, and address disparities throughout our country.

"The Bay Area would get a needed boost, since the bill increases surface transportation investments by 60% - with much of the new funding going to transit and metropolitan-focused programs. Importantly, the bill also includes key changes to current federal grant programs that can make our local transit projects even more competitive. Plus, the Moving Forward Act provides flexibility, so our state and local governments can make funding decisions based on unique transportation challenges, and it smartly harnesses Silicon Valley's tech leadership to improve mobility nationwide.

"The bill moves us toward a more sustainable future with $250 billion in San Francisco Bay restoration funds, and extensions to popular clean energy and electric vehicle tax credits. Moreover, the inclusion of wildfires as an eligible extreme weather event for climate resilience and relief funding, investments to harden our electric grid, promotion of energy storage systems, and a focus on dam safety measures will improve Santa Clara County's preparedness for potential disasters.

"Beyond rebuilding our transportation infrastructure, the Moving Forward Act invests in our children's futures by helping to safely reopen and rebuild schools with $130 billion for school infrastructure and $10 billion to upgrade child-care facilities. It also expands high-speed internet and affordable housing.

"H.R. 2 will move our economy, workers, and families forward, at a time when our nation requires nothing less than this future-facing momentum."