Durbin To McConnell: Broadband And Child Care Expansion Is Common Sense, Not Socialist
Durbin slams Minority Leader for opposing American Jobs Plan
WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today highlighted important provisions in President Biden’s American Jobs Plan, including the expansion of broadband service and child care. In response to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Durbin said Republican attempts to block or oppose President Biden’s American Jobs Plan aren’t in the best interest of the country.
“To think that the Republican definition of infrastructure in America does not include the expansion of broadband coverage across this nation, what are they thinking? Their minds are back 10 and 20 years ago. Is broadband coverage for all Americans in every corner of this country a socialist idea to the Republicans? I think it's a common sense idea to the people of America,” Durbin said.
Durbin also discussed the importance of expanding child care services in the American Jobs Plan so more families can go to work with the peace of mind that their child is safe.
“The Democrats believe that child care – affordable, quality child care – is part of the equation in terms of good-paying jobs being filled by Americans, and where families want to be sure their kids are safe. Is that socialism? Is that another example of socialism for the Republicans? Quality day care affordable for families? It is not socialism in my book. It's a family value,” Durbin concluded.
Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.
Seven percent of Illinoisans live in areas where broadband infrastructure provides minimally acceptable speeds. And, 62 percent of Illinoisans live in areas where there is only one such provider. Even where infrastructure is available, broadband may be too expensive to be within reach. Fourteen percent of Illinois households do not have an internet subscription. The American Jobs Plan would invest $100 billion to bring universal, reliable, high-speed, and affordable coverage to every family in America.
In Illinois, 58 percent of residents live in a child care desert. The American Jobs Plan will modernize our nation’s schools and early learning facilities and build new ones in neighborhoods across Illinois and the country.
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