Governor Larry Hogan today issued the following statement after President Biden announced a bipartisan infrastructure agreement at the White House:
“Two years ago, when I launched a national initiative as leader of the nation’s governors to fix America’s crumbling infrastructure, it was with a day like this in mind.
“The bipartisan infrastructure framework that President Biden endorsed today is a historic opportunity for Maryland and for America. There is no dispute that our nation’s roads, bridges, airports, waterways, broadband, and other vital infrastructure desperately need additional investment and that we can do so without raising taxes. The only remaining question before us is whether Washington still has the will to put politics aside and to do what the American people are overwhelmingly demanding.
“I want to thank the bipartisan group in the House and Senate that forged this agreement for their hard work and partnership over the last several months. When we convened in Annapolis this April, the conventional wisdom said that a bipartisan infrastructure bill was dead, but we did not give up. Now, much of what is in this framework came directly out of our discussions. There is still more work to be done, and I am ready to do whatever I can to help get this agreement across the finish line.”
Timeline of Governor Hogan’s Infrastructure Efforts:
July 26, 2019: As chairman of the National Governors Association (NGA), Governor Hogan launches a year-long national initiative focused on rebuilding America’s crumbling infrastructure. Throughout the initiative, Governor Hogan convenes summits and study tours across the country and the world.
March 5, 2020: Governor Hogan meets with House Problem Solvers Caucus and their Senate allies to brief them on his NGA initiative and to urge bipartisan action on a federal infrastructure bill.
August 5, 2020: Governor Hogan releases a series of recommendations for a federal infrastructure bill, including investing in roads, bridges, waterways, cyber security, and broadband, strengthening public-private partnerships, and eliminating red tape.
February 12, 2021: Governor Hogan meets with President Biden in the Oval Office. During the meeting, Governor Hogan repeatedly urges President Biden to support a bipartisan infrastructure approach.
February 24, 2021: Governor Hogan, joined by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, testifies at a U.S. Senate hearing on the importance of passing a bipartisan infrastructure package.
March 12, 2021: Governor Hogan writes USA Today op-ed urging President Biden to focus on a bipartisan infrastructure bill.
April 23, 2021: Governor Hogan convenes the Annapolis Infrastructure Summit with a bipartisan group of governors, senators, and members of the House Problem Solvers Caucus. At the summit, the group agrees on the scope of the package.
May 10, 2021: Governor Hogan writes CNBC op-ed outlining a bipartisan infrastructure compromise.
June 22, 2021: Governor Hogan leads No Labels, Chamber of Commerce, and Business Roundtable campaign urging President Biden to embrace the bipartisan agreement.