President Joe Biden’s first big trip of the year is set to feature a rare appearance with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).
An event scheduled for Wednesday in Kentucky is expected to focus on the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package Biden signed into law last year, according to CNN. This Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was one of Biden’s first major legislative victories as president.
Biden will be joined not only by McConnell, but also Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Governor Andy Beshear (D-KY), Gov. Mike DeWine (R-OH), per the White House.
The bipartisan event is taking place on the Kentucky side of the Cincinnati area, the Associated Press reported. This follows a recent announcement that Kentucky and Ohio will get $1.6 billion for a project near Cincinnati meant to relieve the heavily congested Brent Spence Bridge used for travelers and freight traffic crossing over the Ohio River.
Most of the money is coming from the Bridge Investment Program, which was created as part of the infrastructure package. McConnell and Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) helped secure funding for the project, per the Cincinnati Enquirer. McConnell even predicted a planned the companion bridge “will be one of the bill’s crowning accomplishments.”
Biden is wrapping up a vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands with his wife Jill Biden. Upon his return to Washington, D.C., Republicans will be taking over the House. The Senate remains in control of the Democrats after the GOP performed below many expectations in the 2022 midterm elections.
Other top members of Biden’s administration are also planning trips across the country this week to “discuss how the President’s economic plan is rebuilding our infrastructure, creating good-paying jobs – jobs that don’t require a four-year degree, and revitalizing communities left behind,” a White House official said.
Vice President Kamala Harris will visit Chicago while Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will head to New London, Connecticut.