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In reply to the discussion: I-5 bridge over Skagit River collapses, cars with people in water [View all]Harry Monroe
(2,935 posts)42. Never forget who has blood on their hands over this
In September 2011, President Obama proposed the American Jobs Act, which among other things would have allocated $50 billion to do things like fix the nation's dilapidated bridges.
Even though it received a majority vote of 50-49, Republicans filibustered, so it needed 60 to pass. It was then broken up into smaller bills, with the $50 billion infrastructure part being relabeled the Rebuild America Jobs Act. It again received majority support 51-49, but it again failed due to a Republican filibuster. It would have been paid for with a 0.7% tax on Americans earning more than $1 million per year.
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Apologies for the dark post, but at least our Congressional reps' flights weren't delayed...
DRoseDARs
May 2013
#3
Republicans will think of giving them a new bridge if they'll cut more funds for
Rozlee
May 2013
#13
If this had been taken out with a terroist bomb they would replace it with a "victory bridge".
Spitfire of ATJ
May 2013
#20
No, Westboro Baptist Church will say the bridge collapsed because of gay people
davidpdx
May 2013
#75
My daughter and son-in-law in Bellingham are headed to OR today for the weekend.
classof56
May 2013
#84
We have money to gift Pakistan Billions every year but not for infrastructure!
golfguru
May 2013
#32
not yet. i have horrible internet connection on smart phone, radio not much better and no tv.
chknltl
May 2013
#44
@CBSNews: UPDATE: No fatalities in I-5 bridge collapse in NW Wash.; 3 rescued http://t.co/5MK4CuAqg
Hissyspit
May 2013
#53
Watching local news and they are saying 3 in the drink and all removed. Whew but argh
uppityperson
May 2013
#56
KOMO AM 1000 just had an expert on, bridge built 1955 considered obsolete but functional.
chknltl
May 2013
#51
@BreakingNews: Witnesses say truck struck I-5 bridge in Washington state before collapse - @KING5Sea
Hissyspit
May 2013
#46
Wow. I used to live up there in Burlington and crossed that bridge almost daily.
totodeinhere
May 2013
#38
How many Walmart trucks drove over that bridge while the Waltons fight to pay fewer taxes?
grahamhgreen
May 2013
#65
The bridge is not considered structurally deficient but is listed as being "functionally obsolete"
jakeXT
May 2013
#68
But nobody could have foreseen that an old decrepit unmaintained bridge.... aw crap!
AAO
May 2013
#79