Jesse Scheckner
Congress’ failure to authorize funding for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) won’t halt Florida Department of Transportation projects, but those projects could now cost taxpayers more, Gov. Ron DeSantis said.
DeSantis on Friday blasted U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democratic leaders in Washington for delaying a vote on President Joe Biden’s $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill Thursday night.
The delay stalled $100 billion for roads, bridges and other federal highway projects and furloughed 3,700 U.S. Department of Transportation workers. Many of those workers are from Florida, according to DeSantis’ office.
“While Congress continues to fail to do its job, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is not ending work on transportation projects because the Department understands that any delay on these projects will directly impact hundreds of thousands of Floridians,” a press note from the Governor’s office said. “However, work that is currently being done on these projects will not receive federal funding or support, and may not be reimbursed — forcing Florida taxpayers to cover for the ineptitude of Washington.”
DeSantis pointed to the funding holdup, which came around the same time as a last-minute bill Biden signed to avert a partial federal shutdown, as “even more proof” Democratic leaders don’t want to do anything but push a political agenda.
“Yet again, the delays in Washington are impacting the lives of Floridians,” he said in a written statement. “It is unacceptable that Congress or the Biden Administration would use highway construction as a bargaining chip and leave Florida taxpayers to foot the bill.”
FDOT Secretary Kevin Thibault said his agency will continue highway and transit projects “as long as we can — recognizing that this state’s focus on transportation funding has positioned us to be able to do this longer than our peer states.”
Liberals within the Democratic Caucus, including U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, had vowed to oppose the bill unless they saw action on a $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill that includes paid family leave, universal prekindergarten, strong measures on climate change and Medicare expansion.
House Republicans, meanwhile, are largely united behind House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy in opposing the bill. McCarthy told NPR the bill will create $5 trillion in inflation, create a bigger socialist government and tank the economy.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement late Thursday the Biden administration is “closer to an agreement than ever (but) not there yet,” adding that additional work to reach terms on the bill within the Democratic Party and with Republicans would commence “first thing” Friday.
Biden expressed similar optimism Friday, but his phrasing indicated a deal may not be as close as many hope.
“It doesn’t matter when,” he said at the Capitol after speaking with Democrats who have feuded over the two bills. “It doesn’t matter whether it’s in six minutes, six days or six weeks. We’re going to get this done.”
23 comments
Alex
October 1, 2021 at 6:59 pm
Lol
It’s the Republicans that are holding the economy hostage by refusing to raise the debt limit when Dems are in power, but did it 3 times without a peep while adding $6.7 Trillion to the national debt under the orange idiot.
PeterH
October 1, 2021 at 7:44 pm
What a joke. DeSantis is grifting the Federal Government for road funding when he has full knowledge that Florida is the third largest recipient of Federal aid.
For every dollar the State of Florida sends to Washington the State receives $4.50 in return. Maybe Lindsey Graham will also start complaining….. his State IS THE LARGEST recipient of Federal Aid. For every dollar South Carolina sends to Washington the state receives $7.00 in return. Thank goodness for most blue states that send more to Washington than most grifter red states.
At some point Washington is going to cut off Florida’s dole and tell this State to become more self sufficient with a State income tax! Millionaires will cry a river!
Tom
October 1, 2021 at 9:46 pm
You are a weasel peter h.
Incompetent Biden/Harris.
Not master legislator or tactician Cruella Pelosi. Crying Chuck.
Just a joke.
Biden upside down negative in 38 states. In Florida negative -13.
LMAO. 40 seat House swing. 6 Senate seats.
Tom
October 2, 2021 at 6:44 am
You are a liar Peter H.
2 million illegals entering under mass invasion on southern border by end of year. Open Borders -Society, purposefully being planned.
Per DHS chief, of the 15,000 illegal Haitians 20% carry disease. You are a liar Peter H, you said no illegals entering. Total surrender on southern border! 60,000 more reportedly on way.
Peter H, Alex, Frankie, TJB, Lorraine, Carol, JD, other Manchurian haters.
PeterH
October 2, 2021 at 9:20 am
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/haitians-border-deportations/2021/10/01/bfa38852-222a-11ec-8fd4-57a5d9bf4b47_story.html
Post your own factual citation wingnut!
Only an idiot would not understand that the Biden Administration HAS NO MECHANISM to change immigration law. That duty is left to Congress! Go ahead and send your immigration whining to Scott and Rubio! Tell them you want new enforceable immigration policies! 🙄
In the future try sticking to the topic! This article has NOTHING TO DO WITH IMMIGRATION!
Alex
October 2, 2021 at 4:13 pm
Republican leadership doesn’t want immigration fixed.
They like keeping the racist base fired up about it.
Tom
October 2, 2021 at 5:45 pm
Hardly, you liar.
Total surrender on border, total surrender in Afghanistan.
BidenHarris bring economic disaster to America.
FP Monitor
October 2, 2021 at 11:35 am
It’s a big mistake is to respond to anything Tom posts. He’s an ignorant Trumpster hack simply looking for attention. Do yourself and all of us a big favor …… ignore all of his return comments. Maybe the internet troll will go away.
Tom
October 2, 2021 at 5:37 pm
You are demented, you pathetic liar.
Go watch your Lincoln project garbage.
You are a pathetic liar peter h, the weasel. Congress has delegated thru legislation to executive branch the immigration business of the USA. We are a sovereign county, we don’t belong to Soros open borders.
Are you mental? Under any count, per DHS we have 2 million crossing estimated. Per DHS, 20% of the recent 15,000 Haitians have disease.
It’s a total surrender on the southern border to illegals. You are a pathetic liar. This POTUS has sold out our sovereignty. Go to hell you liar,
He’s nominated a Russian graduate as the US comptroller of the currency. Where’s all the Russia, Russia and Russia conspiracy?
Don’t you ever suggest what I can reference ever. You are just a towel boy for Lincoln predators.
PeterH
October 2, 2021 at 7:24 pm
Whine on wingnut liar! LOL
Tom
October 2, 2021 at 8:20 pm
Are you serious?
Alzie Joe’s own DHS says 2 million estimated to enter. DHS chief says 20% of the 15,000 Haitians have disease.
Stop watching and listening to fake news.
Only a total mental incompetent believes that the Executive branch does not have full authority by law about the border. Sup Ct has ruled in favor of Exec based upon congressional law.
Total surrender at border.
You have mental illness. Get help.
Republican In Name Only, RHINO
You are a predator agent on behalf of Lincoln scum.
PeterH
October 2, 2021 at 8:29 pm
Whine on liar!
🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
Tom
October 2, 2021 at 8:49 pm
Hardly
Facts are on our side.
You and your hateful manchurians are getting your ass kicked. Period
POTUS Approval in high 30’s low 40’s.
On the border surrender he’s in low 30’s.
Total disaster.
Only delusional dolts like you thing differ.
Total Dem socialist meltdown last 48 hrs.
POTUS had to show up to save cruella pelosi.
She’s totally falling apart with lightweight aoc stepping on her. U r a weasel
LMAO
Tom
October 3, 2021 at 8:41 am
Peter H. weasel loser.
Feel free to defend the proposed mileage tax in the green socialist Dems outline.
Feel free to defend no new federal highways being allowed to be built in the highway bill.
Feel free to defend the $600.00 bank account being reported.
What a shellacking you have coming Nov/22.
Not even Lincoln predator org trash can prevent at least 40 newly elected Repub.House seats.
PeterH
October 3, 2021 at 8:59 am
Whine on uneducated wingnut!
Who do you think pays for deficit spending? Santa Clause? Do you really think that Trump’s adding $7 trillion to the national debt in less than four years doesn’t need to be paid? When Florida sends $1.00 to Washington and subsequently receives $4.50 in return ….. which taxpayers do you think pick up the tab.
EVERY TIME Republicans lower taxes ….. someone has to pick up the tab. That someone is the American taxpayer!
WAKE UP WINGNUT! GET AN EDUCATION!
Tom
October 3, 2021 at 9:15 am
Oh ok uneducated weasel.
Go strap your panties on.
Are you kidding me. Trumps tax cuts paid for themselves you idiot. 3.5% employment, record employment across all age groups , ages, racial groups set record and highest revenue into federal treasury ever!
Unlike this POTUS who is causing employment and economic hardship, higher unemployment and devastating minority groups with his awful economic policies. Minorities suffering under Biden/Harris.
But pretend that you know anything.
You fake educated corrupt socialist.
You are a fool! LMAO
PeterH
October 3, 2021 at 9:47 am
Fun Fact:
Trump’s tax cuts DID NOT PAY FOR THEMSELF!
Trump’s economic tax policies added HISTORICAL RECORDS TO THE deficit and additions to the National Debt. Trump’s $7.4 trillion unbudgeted and unpaid for tax relief windfall that lowered unemployment to 3.5% point FOR SIX MONTHS. Keep in mind that Obama handed Trump a remarkably low 4.6% unemployment WITHOUT LOWERING TAXES.
Wingnut lies are endless! GET AN EDUCATION!
Tom
October 3, 2021 at 10:21 am
You are full of manure!
Unemployment was below 5% from 17, 18, 19 & into 20. Record unemployment brings in record federal revenue! Obama gave us nothing. Hr did nothing for minorities and middle class.
Everyone knows that Congress spends not Executive. Accept you.
You are a liberal socialist, go read Paul Krugman, who predicted economic collapse under POTUS 45. Krugman lied and failed. You are delirious,
JFK, Ronald Reagan, and Trump cut taxes and American economy boomed. Thats why Trump carried blue collar counties and Hispanic leaning border states. He carried minority votes the highest since Nixon in 1960. You have no clue or understanding.
Like JFK said, rising tide lifts all boats,
Biden/Harris cause economic despair. Unemployment soaring, minorities over 9% unemployment. His disapproval’s low 30’s. .
Really, defend this awful economy and terrible policies.
40 seat swing pal, get used to it.
Wake Joe up when it’s over.
LMAO
PeterH
October 3, 2021 at 1:04 pm
Wingnut talking point:
“Obama gave us nothing. Hr did nothing for minorities and middle class.”
FACTS:
Obama left Trump with unemployment at 4.6% So Trump inherited a great economy….. but because of Trump’s policies he added a record $7.4 trillion to the national debt in less than four years!
Furthermore, in the past sixty years of failed Republican economic leadership…there has been only one Republican administration that has left unemployment in better shape than the one they inherited from the prior administration!
That President was Reagan. In order to lower unemployment exactly 1% point …. he performed hos “Voodoo Economic” policies lowering taxes ….. WHILE TRIPLING THE NATIONAL DEBT IN EIGHT YEARS!
Tom
October 3, 2021 at 10:25 am
Weasel
You can’t defend anything going on.
That’s all you & socialist Alex can say is Trump, Trump, Trump wah, wah!
Go scratch.
Tom
October 3, 2021 at 10:37 am
Your apparent education is upside down. Go figure.
On estimated 2 million illegals for year and apparent 400,000 coming now per DHS chief, you say it’s Congress.
Which you deny.
And with appropriated federal spending its executive, apparently congress doesn’t pass appropriations.
Which Pelosi & Schumer have refused to hold hearings on. Shameful.
Your apparent education from Manchurian Univ is a waste of your manure on toilet paper. You are a idiot and fool. Go put your hose on. Loser.
eli
October 3, 2021 at 12:10 pm
Certainly not stopping work on I4 anytime soon.
Tom
October 3, 2021 at 12:28 pm
Whatever that means!
Comments are closed.