Biden US Infrastructure Ideas Popular, but Support for Plan Is Partisan: Poll

President 👤Joe Biden’s $2 trillion infrastructure plan is loaded with road repairs, internet upgrades and other initiatives that are widely popular on their own, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, but U.S. public support declines when the initiatives are packed into a Democratic bill and sold as a Biden-backed plan.

The March 31-April 1 national opinion poll highlights the challenges facing Biden and fellow Democrats in Congress as they roll out the American Jobs Plan in front of Republican opposition and a hyper-partisan American public.

While most Americans, including many Republicans, like the ideas in the plan in general, they are less likely to support legislation written by Democrats to make those ideas a reality, the poll shows.

Democrats control both chambers of Congress by narrow margins, and the prospects for passage could be difficult if Republicans line up against the plan.

Republican leaders have been sharply critical of the planned expansion of federal spending, especially if it is financed with tax increases. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell called the plan “another Trojan horse for far-left demands.”

Some Democratic leaders also have raised issues.

Economists at Georgetown University estimate a $1.5 trillion infrastructure investment could create 15 million jobs.

The poll found:

• 79% of Americans supported a government overhaul of American roadways, railroads, bridges, and ports.

• 71% supported a plan to extend high-speed internet to all Americans.

• 68% supported an initiative to replace every lead pipe in the country.