Chicago's NPR News Source

President Biden's Next Big-Ticket Item: A Transformational Infrastructure Plan

President Biden's Next Big-Ticket Item: A Transformational Infrastructure Plan

NEW ALEXANDRIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Democratic U.S. presidential nominee Joe Biden speaks during a campaign stop at International Union of Operational Engineers Local 66 Heavy Equipment Operator Training School September 30, 2020 in New Alexandria, Pennsylvania. Former Vice President Biden made a stop in New Alexandria to receive an endorsement from the union as he continues to campaign for the upcoming presidential election today on a day-long train tour with stops in Ohio and Pennsylvania. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Alex Wong/Getty Images

America's infrastructure GPA is a C-minus, according to the American Society Of Civil Engineers, which this month called for massive investment in the nation’s roads, bridges and transit system.

The Biden administration is preparing to propose that kind of investment — along with green energy policies and progressive programs that would total more than $3 trillion. NPR's Mara Liasson reports on the plan, which Biden has signaled he wants to pass with Republican support.

That's just one political balancing act Biden will have to negotiate. Another is with a key part of his political coalition: labor unions. NPR's Don Gonyea explains.

Additional reporting in this episode from NPR's

David Schaper.

In participating regions, you’ll also hear from local journalists about what’s happening in your community.

Email us at considerthis@npr.org.

More From This Show
The Girl Scouts have been part of American childhood for generations. And now that quintessential experience is helping young girls, who are new to the United States get a sense of belonging. It comes through a Girl Scout troop based in one of New York City’s largest migrant shelters. The shelter has around 3,500 migrants, and all of the Girl Scouts are children of families seeking asylum. For the last few weeks, NPR’s Jasmine Garsd has been spending time with them, and brings us their their story. For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Email us at considerthis@npr.org. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy