Legislative language buried inside the 2,700-page infrastructure bill contains language with far more than funds for roads and bridges – with sections meant to boost women in trucking, expunge harmful invasive species, and tweak the mission of Amtrak.
One section in the $1.2 trillion bill notes that women make up 47 per cent of the workforce, but just 6.6 per cent of truckers.
It also states that women truck drivers have been demonstrated to be 20 percent less likely to get in a crash than male counterparts. It states the sense of Congress
Female truck drivers are less likely to be involved in an accident, according to a provision of the infrastructure bill, which also contains provisions on invasive species and Amtrak funding
'that the trucking industry should explore every opportunity to encourage and support the pursuit and retention of careers in trucking by women, including through programs that support recruitment, driver training, and mentorship.'
Another transportation provision also requires research on limousine safety. It specifically seeks research 'into the development of motor vehicle safety standards for side impact protection, roof crush resistance, and air bag systems for the protection of occupants in limousines with alternative seating positions, including perimeter seating arrangements.'
One section seeks to control invasive species which can choke out native plants or sometimes harm the environment. A provision seeks to make use of 'native plants and wildflowers, including those that are pollinator-friendly' in transportation projects that involve native plants – an apparent effort to combat a decline in bees. It is one of many portions of environmental language included in a project that Republicans demanded focus on roads and bridges.
The bill includes $66 billion for Biden's beloved Amtrak, which he used to commute between Washington and Wilmington for decades.
Critics of the deal flagged a provision on female truck drivers
A provision seeks to make use of 'native plants and wildflowers, including those that are pollinator-friendly,' amid studies on loss of pollinator species
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) went after a section on 'gender identity' as being outside the bill's purpose, although it is common to include definitions in bill language. A provision bill bans people from a variety of categories from deing excluded from participating in bill programs
