Gottheimer claims ‘major progress’ on infrastructure deal

Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff), the co-chair of the House Problem Solvers Caucus, announced at a press conference today what he called “major progress” on the bipartisan infrastructure bill currently under consideration in the U.S. Senate.

“This bipartisan infrastructure package will help repair those crumbling roads on Route 17 and the bridge, clean up the lead coated pipes across our counties, lay new broadband fiber in Sussex and Warren Counties, and finally get the Gateway Tunnel project off the ground,” Gottheimer said. “This package is fully paid for and doesn’t raise taxes. That’s what Jersey wants. That’s what the country wants.”

He was joined at the conference by members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW Local 164) and by construction company owner Joe Sanzari.

The bill as it stands in the Senate would include about $550 billion in infrastructure spending, with $4.1 billion going specifically to New Jersey. Eleven of New Jersey’s twelve House members supported a similar but more ambitious bill that passed the House last month, with the exception being Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-Dennis)