On Monday, Nov. 15 Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) joined President Biden, Democrats and Republicans at the White House for the official signing of the bipartisan infrastructure bill. Rep. Harder helped negotiate the bill alongside 30 Democrats and 30 Republicans as part of the Problem Solvers Caucus. Now that the bill has been signed into law, Rep. Harder is focused on ensuring its historic investments are delivered to the Central Valley.

“I went to the White House today to make sure I saw with my own eyes the president sign this bill into law and to underscore the need to get these dollars into our Valley ASAP,” said Rep. Harder on Monday. “Today I congratulate the president for signing it into law. Tomorrow I get on his case to make sure dollars start flowing to projects in our community. Our Valley deserves better than roads filled with potholes and water infrastructure from two generations ago, and I’m committed to seeing our plans become reality.”

In California alone there are 1,536 bridges and over 14,220 miles of highway in poor condition. Since 2011, commute times have increased by 14.6 percent in California and on average, each driver pays $799 per year in costs due to driving on roads in need of repair. From 2010 to 2020, California experienced 16 extreme weather events, costing the state up to $1 trillion in damages. Over the next 20 years, California’s drinking water infrastructure will require $51 billion in additional funding. In the 10th congressional district specifically, which covers much of Stanislaus County and parts of San Joaquin County, there are 119 structurally deficient bridges, up from 113 in 2019. An estimated $423.2 million in repairs are needed.

Also on Nov. 15, Harder introduced a resolution to honor the 16,000 wildland firefighters who’ve worked across the West this year alongside Republican Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-3). Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Steve Daines (R-MT) recently introduced a bipartisan companion bill in the Senate.

“This year wildfires burned through more than 5 million acres of land in the West. The only reason those wildfires didn’t destroy our communities and put all our lives at risk was our incredible wildland firefighters,” said Rep. Harder. “Today, I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution recognizing the incredible work of our wildland firefighters, honoring their bravery and heroism, and thanking them for protecting the lives of our love ones.”

The bill:

Recognizes the efforts and sacrifices of the wildland firefighters who have risked their lives to fight intense wildfires in 2021;

Honors the bravery and heroism of the men and women assisting in responding to and combating wildfires;

Expresses appreciation and gratitude to firefighters for protecting lives and property in the United States during the ongoing 2021 wildfire season;

Expresses full support for communities throughout the West as those communities focus on recovery and rebuilding areas and communities affected by wildfires; and

Extends gratitude and appreciation to the families and loved ones of wildland firefighters for their important role in supporting the wildland firefighter community.