This week, Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) rallied support for the bipartisan infrastructure spending deal that has been struck by certain Republicans and Democrats across the federal government. Notably, former President Trump recently spoke against these infrastructure plans, insisting that Republicans involved in negotiations should abandon the process, but Romney is sticking by the framework. In an article for the Utah publication known as Deseret News, Romney touted that the bipartisan deal “does not raise taxes” and “spends less than one-third of the president’s original plan,” adding that “because it is largely comprised of legislation that has already gone through the traditional legislative process with bipartisan support in the committees of jurisdiction, it is truly bipartisan.”
Discussing the positive ramifications of the bipartisan cooperation in which Republicans and Democrats have engaged, Romney added as follows:
‘Neither “side” got everything it wanted. But that’s how our country — and Congress — must work to go beyond rhetoric to actually get things done for our communities. In negotiating this plan, we have shown Americans that we in the Senate can still work together to find common ground. Upon our return to Washington this week, I look forward to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to garner support for our plan. And ultimately, when this bill gets to the president’s desk, I take him at his word that he will sign it, without contingencies.’
On Twitter, Romney added that the “country’s infrastructure is in serious need of updates,” writing that it’s “time we go beyond the rhetoric to get things done for our communities.” Read Romney’s comments below:
Our country’s infrastructure is in serious need of updates. The bipartisan infrastructure plan focuses on physical infrastructure without tax increases or adding to the deficit. It’s time we go beyond the rhetoric to get things done for our communities. https://t.co/ZQRu5TwnBf
— Senator Mitt Romney (@SenatorRomney) July 12, 2021
A new survey conducted by Data for Progress found that majorities of Democrats, independents, and Republicans supported four key elements of the bipartisan infrastructure deal. In the language of the survey, those deal components include “repairs to existing energy infrastructure,” “clean energy technologies,” “internet access for rural communities,” and “public transit expansion.” Support for expanding rural internet access and repairing energy infrastructure was at 71 percent among Republicans. Meanwhile, 56 percent of GOP respondents backed expanding public transit, and 53 percent expressed support for work on clean energy.
Republican voters support clean energy investments in infrastructure bill, per the latest @crookedmedia + @DataProgress polling. https://t.co/oiajuOmk51 https://t.co/rGHJhkNNA3
— a left-leaning but high-quality polling outlet (@SeanMcElwee) July 12, 2021
