Pelosi: Water Key Part of Next U.S. Stimulus Bill

Politicians in Washington began staking their positions for a fourth coronavirus emergency relief bill.

In a press call on Thursday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reiterated what she said earlier in the week: that Democrats will insist that infrastructure be a central focus of the next stimulus bill and that water will not be ignored.

“Clean water,” Pelosi said while outlining potential pieces of a stimulus bill. “That’s part of our infrastructure proposal, always has been, now more than ever, necessary. Dependable drinking water, clean water, wastewater infrastructure are critical in the effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus.”

President Trump has signaled his interest in working on an infrastructure package.

House Democrats are using a framework unveiled in January as their starting point for negotiations. The Moving Forward framework included $50.5 billion in clean water investment — from sewer upgrades and PFAS treatment to stormwater retention and worker training — as well as $25.4 billion for drinking water programs.

Congress is on break and scheduled to reconvene April 20.