GOP offers $928B on infrastructure, funded with COVID aid

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By LISA MASCARO and JONATHAN LEMIRE

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican senators outlined a $928 billion infrastructure proposal Thursday that would tap unused coronavirus aid, a counteroffer to President Joe Biden’s more sweeping plan as the two sides struggle to negotiate a bipartisan compromise and remain far apart on how to pay for the massive spending.

The Republican offer would increase spending by $91 billion on roads and bridges, $48 billion on water resources and $25 billion on airports, according to a one-page summary released by the GOP negotiators. It also would provide for one-time increases in broadband investments, at $65 billion, and $22 billion on rail.

Republicans have rejected Biden’s proposed corporate tax increase to pay for new investments, and instead want to shift unspent COVID-19 relief dollars to help cover the costs, a nonstarter for many Democrats.

“It’s a serious effort to try to reach a bipartisan agreement,” said Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, the lead GOP negotiator.



Sen. Shelley Moore Capito speaks at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, May 27, 2021, as from left, Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., Sen. Barrasso, R-Wy. and Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., look on. Republican senators outlined a $928 billion infrastructure proposal Thursday, a counteroffer to President Joe Biden's more sweeping plan as the two sides struggle to negotiate a bipartisan compromise and remain far apart on how to pay for the massive spending. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)


Read more: https://apnews.com/article/business-government-and-politics-448f851f70a6225a5861df464b7dbcd8

[AllyCat]

1. Under GOP obstruction/non-action, nothing in our country has been funded appropriately

except defense. For decades. They have lifted not one finger to help us. And now they want to take aid that is needed elsewhere, call it "unused", and then only fix things that use oil. And maybe broadband, sort of. Rather than tax their rich donors and demand those takers contribute to our society, they will get to coast while money is once again, taken from what we need to get through the pandemic they did nothing about.

Republicans are not working for America. They are working for their corporate donors.

[Fiendish Thingy]

2. Only $32b in new spending, rest is smoke and mirrors. Nt

[roamer65]

3. DOA.

[Trueblue1968]

4. GOP SUCKS... this tiny offer is a slap in the face to the American people.

i want these people GONE

[Walleye]

5. Hey Republicans, with all due respect, shove it

[Mawspam2]

6. I see three Senators standing with Caputo...

...until there are 10, she is offering nothing.

[GB_RN]

7. Yeah, This Will Fly

About as well as a lead balloon. Piss off.

[Mr.Bill]

8. I'm sure corporations are contacting

the republican stooges in Congress that they own to tell them hey, wait a minute, we're not done stealing all that Covid relief money yet.

[Escurumbele]

9. Only one thing that I have to say to the GOP...Go and F&*% yourselves!

[Turbineguy]

10. Really....

How about draining blood from the poor and selling it to pay for potholes?

[AZLD4Candidate]

11. This would be DOA if I Arizona tried to do this when I get elected. It would be an instant NO vote

Fund it through other means. I don't like robbing Peter to pay Paul.

[bucolic_frolic]

12. GOP got shamed into raising their number but it's stolen from COVID relief

but it does mean they understand just how ridiculous, unreasonable, mean, and ineffective they look.

[BlueIdaho]

13. More GQP Bullshit.

Robbing Peter to pay Paul? It’s time to Stop the Stupid and pass the Biden infrastructure bill.

[BaronChocula]

14. Define their counteroffer as

Nothing but corporate giveaways and tax breaks for billionaires with nothing about real infrastructure and jobs for the American people. Then reconciliation TF out of the Biden proposal.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

15. Most of which has already been distributed

Sorry GOPers. COVID is still a problem.

[monkeyman1]

16. nice !

it's so nice butthead mitch & the congressman from Cali are on the bottom of the totem pole , they cry, beg & ask as personal favor to them to vote against the jan.6th insurrection ! well, ain't just hunky dory of mitch because his ass is probably so far hung out can't see straight!

[lark]

17. Fuck them, the only thing this offer is serious about is implementing their fascist state.

They will do anything to achieve that end except take one penny from the rich. Workers and poor can be crawling in the muck with no hope and that's fine, just don't inconvenience those rich (like themselves) who caused the plight of the workers. The rich are totally sacrosanct to both Nazis and those who pretend they aren't but truly are - the repugs.