VP touts infrastructure plan's benefits in NC stop

Harris, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Gov. Roy Cooper and 12th District Congresswoman Alma Adams toured a transit facility in Charlotte before touting the benefits of the $1 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was signed into law last month, and the proposed $2.2 trillion Build Back Better Act, which still must clear the Senate.

"America is moving again because, ultimately, that's what infrastructure is all about: Getting people moving," Harris said. "Infrastructure gives people what they need to get people where they need to go."

The package includes $910 million over five years for North Carolina to upgrade and expand public transportation systems, as well as millions more to repair roads and bridges, expand high-speed internet in rural communities and upgrade water, sewer and other utility systems. All of the spending will create thousands of jobs, Harris added.

"In creating jobs [and] in investing in what people need to get where they are going, our bipartisan infrastructure law will make our country more competitive, it will make our communities more prosperous, and it will deliver on our administration's commitment to equity," she said.

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The Build Back Better Act, which has been described by proponents as social infrastructure, is designed to lower prescription drug costs, expand access to health care, make housing more affordable and boost assistance for child or elder care. It also contains millions of dollars to battle climate change by expanding renewable energy production.

"What we are doing with Build Back Better is saying we need to meet the needs of working families, and we must address the current and immediate needs while not neglecting the needs that are quickly becoming a crisis for us," Harris said.

Alex Nolley, a spokeswoman for the Republican National Committee, called the pending legislation the "Build Back Broke lie," saying it will lead to tax increases, higher inflation and a deeper national debt.

"Gaslighting North Carolinians and squandering their hard-earned tax dollars," Nolley said in a statement, "is disrespectful and unproductive."

Harris noted that the Build Back Better package would increase taxes only on people making more than $400,000 a year.