Dear [firstname],

As we approach Independence Day, I'm thinking about the improbable experiment our founders started all those years ago. Generation after generation of Americans have helped write the story of our nation, including the Greatest Generation, who built the infrastructure that we still rely on today. They dreamed big: building systems that connected our cities and towns and supported booming economic growth.

But since then, we've disinvested in our infrastructure, neglecting the necessary upkeep that would keep us competitive on the world stage. 

One of my top priorities as a member of the House Appropriations Committee is to bring back funding to NEPA so we can reverse this trend. This money supports our economic recovery, creating good-paying jobs and ensuring every family has safe drinking water.

This week, one of our Appropriations subcommittees included my request for $3.5 million for stormwater infrastructure improvements in a key funding bill. The bill also includes other NEPA priorities I fought for, like a major funding increase for abandoned mine land reclamation and the Chesapeake Bay Program -- both of which help keep our environment clean and safe while growing our economy.

Funding these projects will go long way to not only protecting our community but bringing economic opportunities to our area. Inclusion of our project is a promising step toward passing the bill and bringing that funding home where we can put it to work.

We're also one step closer to seeing key infrastructure investments come to Pennsylvania's roads, bridges, highway and water systems, thanks to the INVEST in America Act I helped pass yesterday.

In this bill I was able to secure $20 million in direct investments in Northeastern Pennsylvania. This is money to fill those infamous Pennsylvania potholes that send us to the auto shop twice a year, and repair the crumbling bridges that we need to connect our townships. 

If we want quality infrastructure, we have to invest in it, and this bill gets us there. Next up, I'm going to continue working to get this passed through the Senate and on the President's desk so we can start to see these improvements at home.

After a long, difficult year, we're seeing signs of positive growth and recovery in our communities. We're creating more jobs, stabilizing our economy and getting families back on track for economic success.

The proof is in the numbers. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that Pennsylvania's GDP rose by 6% in the first quarter of 2021. 

Our economic recovery is on track, with a major boost from the American Rescue Plan that has gotten shots in arms and money in pockets. This is just the beginning. Let's get infrastructure done and let's do it boldly to build a better future for our country.

If you're unsure about getting vaccinated, talk to someone you trust like your doctor or a family member so you can make an informed decision about getting your vaccine.

Let's go back to doing the things we love without the

worry of getting sick. 

Be safe and well,