With the “functionally obsolete” Brent Spence Bridge at his back, President Obama challenged Republican leaders in Congress to approve his jobs bill that includes over $100 billion for new infrastructure projects and repairs.
Obama admitted that one of the reasons he chose the bridge — which connects Ohio to Kentucky — as his backdrop for today’s pitch, is because of its geographical ties to House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).
“[They] are the two most powerful Republicans in government,” he said. “They can either kill this jobs bill, or they can help us pass it.”
Though the president’s $447 billion plan covers a number of areas — including tax cuts and credits, broadband investment and mortgage refinancing for homeowners — it’s the funding reserved for infrastructure projects he focused on today. Obama urged lawmakers to quit squabbling over the need to reign in spending, and approve $50 billion worth of transportation funding included in the bill.
“If you want construction workers rebuilding bridges like this one,” he said, “pass this jobs bill.”
Ohio, in particular, would stand to receive just over $1 billion for highway and transportation projects. The White House says the money would create nearly 14,000 jobs in the Buckeye State, which is plagued by a 9 percent unemployment rate.
Obama argued that aside from the bridge behind him, there are numerous other area transit routes in need of repair.
“I can’t imagine that the Speaker wants to represent a state where nearly one in four bridges is classified as substandard,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Boehner thanked the president for bringing attention to the Brent Spence Bridge, which lies in a district that neighbors the one he represents.
“I know how important the Brent Spence Bridge is to our region,” he said. “I’ve long supported replacing the bridge, and I’m pleased the president is bringing attention to this much-needed project.”
However, Boehner complained that the president’s plan does not put enough emphasis on undoing regulations, which he said are hurting businesses in his state. Boehner also decried Obama’s plan to pay for the bill in part by raising taxes on those earning more than $250,000 per year.
“His plan, in my opinion, will destroy jobs by raising taxes on small businesses and our capital, the key ingredient, I think for job creation in our country.”
Yet, Obama stood by his pay-for proposal, arguing that it appropriately prioritizes a struggling middle class in need of help.
“The Republicans in Congress,” he said, “call this class warfare. Well you know what? If asking a billionaire to pay the same tax rate as plumber or teacher makes me a warrior for the middle class, I’ll wear that charge as a badge of honor.”