Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Clumns
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion on local and regional news you won't find anywhere else

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Biography: Aaron Hanania
      • Steve Metsch
      • Steve Neuhaus
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Hanania on Tiktok
  • News Wire
  • Toggle search form
  • Police Blotter
    Orland Park Police Department Investigating Fatal Hit-and-Run accident
  • Taste of Orland Park 2025
    Taste of Orland Park Returns to Village Center with Food, Fun and Festivities Events
  • Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge
    Exclusive interview with Orland Mayor Jim Dodge says former mayor left huge debt breaking news
  • Chicago Wovles play the Rockford Ice Hogs, Feb. 23, 2025
    Chicago Wolves hockey unveil 2025-26 Season schedule Chicago
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Everything you need to know about your Property Index Number or PIN Blogger
  • Andrew Boutros US Attorney Illinois
    Suburban Chicago Man Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Threatening FEMA Employees and Law Enforcement Officers Crime
  • SeatGeek Stadium
    Chivas de Guadalajara and Club Leon to meet in Chicago Bridgeview
  • OFPD Trustee DJ Jeffers, COmmissioner Mohammed Jaber, Events and Safety Coordinator Betsy Dine and McDonalds Manager Doug Kwiatkowski join about 100 kids who participated at the Frozen with a Firefighter event Wednesday, July 9, 2025
    Frozen with an Orland Firefighter at McDonald’s Events
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Chicago dad’s court victory brought kidnapped daughter home Dads' Rights
  • Congresswoman Robin Kelly official photo
    Leading members of State’s Gun Violence Prevention Community endorse Robin Kelly for U.S. Senate elections
  • IAM Union Logo
    IAM Union Members at Arrow Gear Ratify Strong Contract After 9 Weeks on Strike Business
  • Andrew Boutros US Attorney Illinois
    Seven Individuals Charged in Drug and Firearm Investigation Centered on South Side of Chicago Chicago
  • Donna Miller
    Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller Launches Congressional Campaign Chicago
  • Mohammed Jaber
    Mohammed Jaber takes Oath of Office for Orland Fire Commission Fire
  • The Orland Fire District responded at 6:51 pm to reports of  smoke coming out of the eves of a four unit townhome in the 10500 block of Illinois Court in the Eagle Ridge subdivision on Saturday August 10th, 2024. 
    Orland Fire District reports several 4th of July fires but no injuries accident
Road construction cement truck. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania

Congress members applaud infrastructure bill passage

Posted on November 6, 2021November 6, 2021 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Congress members applaud infrastructure bill passage
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Congress members applaud infrastructure bill passage

Democratic members of the U.S. House applauded the passage there of President Biden’s $1 trillion Infrastructure spending package on Friday (Nov. 5, 2021). The bill, which has been deadlocked in partisan bickering for months since it was introduced on June 4, was approved by a vote of 228 for and 206 against with 13 members of the Republican Party supporting Biden’s plan and six members of the Democratic Party’s “progressive” camp or “The Squad” opposing it.

By Ray Hanania

Democratic members of the U.S. House applauded the passage there of President Biden’s $1 trillion Infrastructure spending package on Friday (Nov. 5, 2021). The bill, which has been deadlocked in partisan bickering for months since it was introduced on June 4, was approved by a vote of 228 for and 206 against with 13 members of the Republican Party supporting Biden’s plan and six members of the Democratic Party’s “progressive” camp or “The Squad” opposing it.

Of course, other than news reports focused on the political battle for the passage of the legislation, citizens cannot get a copy of the full bill to read through its proposals and it is not available on the U.S. House page or the website of the White House.

Biden released the following statement after the bill was approved:

“The House of Representatives passed an Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.  That’s a fancy way of saying a bipartisan infrastructure bill — a once-in-a-generation investment that’s going to create millions of jobs modernizing our infrastructure — our roads, our bridges, our broadband, a whole range of things — to turn the climate crisis into an opportunity.  And it puts us on a path to win the economic competition of the 21st century that we face with China and other large countries and the rest of the world.

“It’s going to create more jobs –- good-paying jobs, union jobs that can’t be outsourced –- and they’re going to transform our transportation system with the most significant investments in passenger rail — the most significant investment in 50 years; in roads and bridges — the most significant investment in 70 years; and more investment in public transit than we’ve ever, ever made.  Period.”

Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States sworn in on Jan 20, 2021. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States sworn in on Jan 20, 2021. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Read Biden’s full remarks by clicking this link.

Here are statements from several Illinois representatives on the bill’s passage.:

Sean Casten, Democrat:

“Infrastructure & Jobs Act. Not only will it fix the potholes in our roads & make it easier to get to work by investing billions into revitalizing Illinois’ infrastructure, but it will create jobs and grow our economy.”

Marie Newman, Democrat:

“Tonight, I proudly voted to pass President Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act so that we can not only create millions of new, good-paying union jobs but also finally make the transportation and infrastructure investments that are desperately needed across our entire nation. For decades, Congress has put modernizing our infrastructure on the back burner, resulting in incomplete transit projects, broken roads, eliminated bus routes, and transportation deserts in far too many communities across the country and in my own district. Even though America is the wealthiest country in the world, we currently rank 13th in the overall quality of our infrastructure. After tonight’s passage of this historic bill, we are one step closer to changing that. With this once-in-a-lifetime investment, we are finally bringing America’s roads, bridges, transit, rail, drinking water and wastewater infrastructure into the 21st century. 

“I am also thrilled to announce that included in the passage of this infrastructure package were two major pieces of legislation of mine. This includes language from our All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) Act, which would provide cities with the funding they need to ensure their public transit systems meet or exceed accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Additionally, the package passed tonight also includes language from our Rail Center for Excellence bill, which would establish a Rail Research and Development Center of Excellence that would research the safety and efficiency of our rail systems across the country so that we can create a national standard of excellence when it comes to transportation. 

“Now, I want to be crystal clear, our work is not over. Earlier tonight, President Biden and Congressional leadership gave their word that a vote would be held in the coming weeks to finally pass the visionary, transformative, and popular Build Back Better Act. I look forward to voting to pass this transformative bill, which will deliver historic tax cuts for the middle class and provide working families with the care infrastructure they deserve. From expanding Medicare and the Child Tax Credit program to delivering universal child care and pre-K, this bill will change millions of lives for the better and create an economic engine that strengthens the middle class and brings down costs. Let’s get this done and send both these bills to the President’s desk.” 

Bill Foster, Democrat:

“For decades, Americans have been asking their elected leaders to fix crumbling roads and bridges and modernize our nation’s transportation infrastructure. Illinois residents, including those I’m proud to represent in the 11th District, know all too well what decades of neglect has meant for the infrastructure we rely on every day. I’m proud that Democrats and Republicans worked together to make this historic infrastructure investment that will finally address the concerns we’ve been hearing from our constituents for far too long. Will County is home to the largest inland port in the nation, and its importance to the supply chain cannot be overstated. The investments included in this legislation will go a long way to make sure it stays that way, and that the jobs it supports stay right here in our community.

“In addition, this bipartisan legislation makes critical investments in broadband infrastructure. This means whether you live in a big city, a suburb, or a rural town, you can access reliable, affordable, high speed broadband internet for work, school, or simply to find information and services. As the digital economy continues to expand, equitable access to the internet couldn’t be more important.

“This package also provides $55 billion to replace lead pipes in communities – from rural towns to cities, helping to ensure that millions of people and over 400,000 schools can access safe drinking water.  

“This $1.2 trillion investment is historic, and it will help to create millions of new, good paying union jobs in Illinois and across the country. A modern infrastructure will provide the foundation for decades of economic growth in communities large and small.

“I look forward to voting for the historic investments in the Build Back Better Act as soon as possible.”

Robin Kelly, Democrat:

“Today is an historic day for our country and proof that we are working on behalf of the American people to deliver real results. The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will create millions of good-paying union jobs for Illinoisans and Americans in every state while improving our nation’s crumbling infrastructure and making our roads and bridges safer, making transportation easier and more equitable and strengthening our communities against the effects of climate change,” said Congresswoman Kelly.

“Outdated infrastructure weakens our economy, makes commuting to work and school more difficult and makes it harder for businesses to bring their goods to stores,” continued Congresswoman Kelly. “The grave state of our infrastructure requires a serious investment, and that’s exactly what this bill provides. I am proud to have voted to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to grow our economy and create new jobs in Illinois.”

The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will:

  • Repair roads and bridges with the single largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the interstate highway system;
  • Create the largest investment in public transit and passenger rail since the creation of Amtrak.
  • Expand broadband to ensure that every American has access to reliable high-speed internet;
  • Secure clean water for our children by making the largest investment in clean drinking water & wastewater infrastructure in American history, replacing lead pipes and delivering clean water to millions of families.

newswire info
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania is an award-winning columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.  

His award winning columns can be found at www.HANANIA.COM Subscribe FREE today

Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

Email Ray Hanania at rghanania@gmail.com.

Follow RayHanania at Twitter
Ray Hanania
Latest posts by Ray Hanania (see all)
  • Orland Park Police Department Investigating Fatal Hit-and-Run - July 12, 2025
  • Taste of Orland Park Returns to Village Center with Food, Fun and Festivities - July 12, 2025
  • Exclusive interview with Orland Mayor Jim Dodge says former mayor left huge debt - July 12, 2025
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
Federal, Government, National, News, Politics, Transportation Tags:$1 trillion dollars, Bill Foster, bridges, Congress, Illinois congress members, infrastructure bill, Marie Newman, President Joe Biden, repairs, roads, Robin Kelly, Sean Casten, spending, U.S. House, U.S. Senate

Post navigation

Previous Post: Mosque Foundation hosts Pappas, Chamber property tax refund program
Next Post: Chicago House soccer faces L.A. Force Sunday Nov. 6

Related Posts

  • 2019 Toys for Tots Parade. Photo submitted
    Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade is Back, Dec. 5 Chicago
  • Major League Rugby 2023 Championship to take place at SeatGeek Stadium July 8
    Major League Rugby 2023 Championship to take place at SeatGeek Stadium July 8 Entertainment
  • Scottish Festival 2018, Itasca
    Chicagoland to celebrate Scottish culture and history Events
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas with elected officials and Arab community leaders at the Arab American Heritage celebration at Oozi Restaurant April 10, 2019. Photo courtesy of Anthony Caciopo
    Pappas reminds taxpayers: Pay First Installment Cook County property taxes through May 3 with no late fee Business
  • Orland Fire District hosts Open House Saturday 11 AM to 2 PM with live emergency/life saving demonstrations
    Orland Fire District hosts Open House Saturday 11 AM to 2 PM with live emergency/life saving demonstrations Cook County
  • money $20 dollar bill, dollars, cash
    Illinois unemployment surges in wake of coronavirus restrictions on businesses Chicago

More Related Articles

Chicago Wolves win 12th straight game tying franchise record Chicago
Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash Give the Gift of Holiday Safety: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Crime
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Giannoulias Issues First 100-Days Report Outlining Major Accomplishments Crime
Congressman Sean Casten Illinois AFL-CIO Endorses Sean Casten for Re-Election Cook County
The King's Pawn book cover. By Aaron Hanania. Science Fiction novel, published in 2018 Video Interview: Aaron Hanania talks about his new book Aaron Hanania
CoronaVirus courtesy of Wikipedia Illinois Public Health announce 1,453 new cases of Coronavirus disease Chicago

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
Subscribe to Ray Hanania's column graphic

Enter Your Email to Subscribe to Ray Hanania’s Columns

  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Everything you need to know about your Property Index Number or PIN
    July 12, 2025
  • Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights
    Chicago parents and other community leaders must work together to make sure this summer isn’t deadly for our children
    July 3, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    How Technology Changed the Cook County Treasurer’s Office
    June 27, 2025
  • Attorneys Jeffery Leving Arthur Kallow
    Honoring Fathers: A Father’s Day Reflection
    June 13, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Understanding Cook County Property Taxes: A Guide for Homeowners
    June 13, 2025
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Two Guys on Politics Podcast on Elon Musk, Trump’s Parade, LA Riots, and Middle East ban
    June 12, 2025
  • NEWS
  • Police Blotter
    Orland Park Police Department Investigating Fatal Hit-and-Run
    July 12, 2025
  • Taste of Orland Park 2025
    Taste of Orland Park Returns to Village Center with Food, Fun and Festivities
    July 12, 2025
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png
  • SPORTS
  • Chicago Wovles play the Rockford Ice Hogs, Feb. 23, 2025
    Chicago Wolves hockey unveil 2025-26 Season schedule
    July 12, 2025
  • SeatGeek Stadium
    Chivas de Guadalajara and Club Leon to meet in Chicago
    July 12, 2025
  • NEWS RELEASES
  • Taste of Orland Park 2025
    Taste of Orland Park Returns to Village Center with Food, Fun and Festivities
    July 12, 2025
  • Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge
    Exclusive interview with Orland Mayor Jim Dodge says former mayor left huge debt
    July 12, 2025
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO RAY HANANIA'S YOUTUBE VIDEOS


Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.

Follow Ray Hanania at
Twitter
Facebook
TitkTok
BlueSky
RayHanania Columns

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Categories

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme