July 1, 2021 10:30 a.m.

The INVEST in America Act, authored by Transportation and Infrastructure Chair Peter DeFazio, passed the House of Representatives on Thursday by a vote of 221-201.

A release said the legislation is a $715 billion surface transportation reauthorization and water infrastructure bill. More than $44 billion was added to make even greater investments in infrastructure, including EV charging and passenger rail grant programs, among other additions. DeFazio said the proposal lays the groundwork for President Biden’s vision on infrastructure and will create good-paying jobs, restore America’s competitiveness in the global economy, and tackle the climate crisis by rebuilding and reimaging infrastructure in the U.S.

The release said as Chair, DeFazio pushed to include $3.67 billion over five years for Oregon from the Federal Aid Highways Programs, $84 million for Oregon transit, and $20 million for transportation and infrastructure projects in southwestern Oregon.

DeFazio said he will waste no time getting to work with the Senate to deliver an infrastructure package to the president.