Biden hails legislative victory on infrastructure in New Hampshire

Washington — President Biden is in New Hampshire Tuesday to kick off a two-state, two-day swing one day after he signed the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill into law. The new law marks the president's largest legislative achievement in his agenda so far. 

The president spoke from the Pemigewasset River Bridge, which is on the state's "red list" of bridges requiring inspections twice a year due to poor conditions. Beginning his remarks by thanking key lawmakers, he particularly praised Senator Maggie Hassan, saying she did a "hell of a job." 

"My message to the people in New Hampshire is simple, it's this — because of this delegation, New Hampshire and America are moving again. Your life is going to change for the better, and that's literal," Mr. Biden said. 

The president pointed out the bridge he stood on, built in 1939, now has a 20-ton weight restriction when it once had a 40-ton weight restriction. Mr. Biden said 215 of the small state's bridges are deemed "structurally unsafe." 

New Hampshire is estimated to receive $1.1 billion for federal-aid highways and $225 million for bridges through the infrastructure law, according to the White House. It will be largely up to the state to determine how to prioritize projects. 

In New Hampshire, the president also touted the Build Back Better Act, which the House could vote on later this week. He said he's confident the legislation will pass the House and Senate, even though Democratic Senator Joe Manchin still has serious concerns with the bill. 

Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel criticized Mr. Biden's policies as they relate to New Hampshire. 

"Joe Biden's bound to regret today's trip to New Hampshire as Granite State voters reject his reckless spending and historic tax increases," she said in a statement. "With skyrocketing prices, a broken supply chain, an unconstitutional vaccine mandate on small businesses, and the highest proposed tax hikes in decades – Biden is asking Americans to foot the bill for his socialist wish list that gives tax cuts to the rich."

Following his visit to New Hampshire, Mr. Biden is scheduled to travel to Detroit, Michigan, on Wednesday to visit a General Motors' electric vehicle assembly plant.

The signing of the bipartisan infrastructure bill Monday cemented a crucial legislative victory for the White House, with Mr. Biden delivering on an issue that has evaded several of his most recent predecessors.

Congress sent the $1.2 trillion bill to his desk earlier this month after its passage by the House. The measure includes $550 billion in new spending and represents the most significant investment in the nation's physical infrastructure in years. It provides $110 billion for roads, bridges and major projects, $39 billion for public transit and $66 billion for railways, and directs $65 billion for expanding broadband and $55 billion for clean water investments. The law also allocates $7.5 billion to build electronic vehicle charging stations.