Building bridges (literally, and figuratively)

The little things make all the difference when it comes to the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Do not look wholly at the $660 billion and the vital rebuilding of America it will fund; consider instead the Snohomish River Bridge, in Everett.

The bridge carries traffic into Everett's downtown core as part of State Route 529. It is unambiguously a major piece of how people get around.

Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed two years ago, Washington's Department of Transportation is able to specifically rehabilitate the Snohomish River Bridge. That is important, both as a means of moving people and as a job creator.

Or, how about another example, a multimodal bridge over I-5 for our friends and neighbors in Lynnwood — which, again, will create jobs and give a boost to Lynnwood's accessible transportation system.

Friends, while this is not strictly about a bridge here, a ferry or port upgrade there, it is precisely why a functioning Congress is so crucial. This is so, so many jobs and vital improvements for communities here in Northwest Washington.

When Congress breaks down into chaos and squabbles, as we have seen repeatedly since Republicans took charge after the 2022 election, projects like this do not get done. Quite the opposite, in fact: they are shoved deep on the back-burner while ridiculous conspiracies are thrust to the forefront.

The results are quite clear: when Democrats are in charge of major policy decisions like these, the American people see tremendous returns. And, specifically, so too are the people of Northwest Washington.

That is exactly why I am going to campaign as hard as I can in 2024. Because, as you see, elections absolutely have consequences.

Rick