While the Senate is the scene of a lot snipping and fighting over the stimulus bill, a bi-partisan spirit of agreement seems to be developing around one point: more investment in infrastructure. Here’s a rundown of this ad hoc caucus:
Republicans:
* Susan Collins (ME) - Partnering with Democrat Ben Nelson to urge more focused infrastructure spending.
* Kit Bond (MO) - Plans to offer an amendment for $5.5 billion increase for roads and bridges.
* Jeff Sessions (AL) - On Fox News bemoaned the fact that “only 3 percent” of the bill is going to infrastructure.
* Kay Bailey Hutchison (TX) - Says, “My focus would be on more infrastructure” - specifically mentions military construction projects
* Olympia Snowe (ME) - With Collins wrote a letter to Obama urging “major” infrastructure investment.
Democrats:
* Diane Feinstein (CA) and Patti Murray (WA) - Working on amendment to add up to $30 billion in infrastructure spending.
* Chuck Schumer (NY) - Is trying to get $5 billion in transit spending added to the bill.
* Ben Nelson (NE) - Wants to see spending directed more at infrastructure
* Mark Udall (CO) - Is “open to more infrastructure spending”
* John Kerry (MA) - Says he supports more funding for “transit, water, various infrastructure investments” including upgrading the electrical grid.
* Kent Conrad (ND) - “Wants to see more infrastructure spending – in the $200 billion range, rather than the $30 billion set aside for highways and bridges.”
Anyone we’ve missed? Drop a dime in the comments section…
