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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 1, 2021

Contact: Mackensie Kvalvik, [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>

Blue Dog Leadership Statement on Delayed Vote on Bipartisan Infrastructure Package

WASHINGTON—Today, Rep. Stephanie Murphy (FL-07), the Blue Dog Coalition’s Co-Chair for Communications and Outreach, issued the following statement on the delayed vote on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Package:
“Last month, the entire Democratic caucus agreed to bring the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework (BIF) to the floor on Sept. 27 in order to advance the budget resolution that started reconciliation. This bipartisan bill, which makes historic investments to strengthen our physical infrastructure, combat climate change, and create good-paying jobs, earned the support of every single Democrat in the U.S. Senate and 19 Republicans. When President Biden signs this bill into law, it will be a major win for the American people and proof that bipartisan cooperation is still possible in deeply partisan times.”
“While we applaud the Speaker’s recent efforts to get BIF across the finish line, we are deeply disappointed BIF is not coming to the floor tonight and is further delayed. This will harm future negotiations and further complicate enactment of President Biden’s agenda. We upheld our end of this agreement by voting to advance reconciliation and expect Leadership to move forward with a vote on this historic bipartisan achievement as soon as possible.”
“We strongly encourage our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to consider each bill on its merits and vote accordingly. To our Republican friends, now is the time to put people over politics and do the right thing. To members of our own caucus, a broadly popular, bipartisan bill should not—and cannot— be used as leverage against members of our own party. We view this as counterproductive to our caucus’s negotiations and ultimately harmful to our ability to find common ground. It also unfairly punishes millions of Americans who want clean water, broadband internet, repaired roads and bridges, and strong climate provisions as soon as possible.”
“One of the Blue Dog Coalition’s founding principles is transcending party lines to get things done for the American people. As always, we stand ready and willing to work with anyone—Democrats and Republicans, progressives and conservatives—to deliver for our constituents. It’s a sad day for our nation when a few Members of Congress block much-needed results for the American people, not because they oppose the bill before them, but because they don’t trust members of their own party. We urge our colleagues to abandon these destructive tactics and stop blocking President Biden’s agenda.”

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The Blue Dog Coalition is an official caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives comprised of fiscally-responsible Democrats, who are leading the way to find commonsense solutions. They are pragmatic Democrats, appealing to the mainstream values of the American public. The Blue Dogs are dedicated to pursuing fiscally-responsible policies, ensuring a strong national defense for our country, and transcending party lines to get things done for the American people. Visit our website<[link removed]> to learn more, and get the latest news updates by following us on Twitter<[link removed]> or liking us on Facebook<[link removed]>.