Biden gains advocate for broad infrastructure plan
Some Republicans raise concerns over taxes, rideshare oversight April 13, 2021 3:04 PM By Lillianna Byington
President Joe Biden, seeking to overcome Republican criticism of his sweeping infrastructure plan, gained a new advocate with Senate confirmation of New York policy veteran Polly Trottenberg to the No. 2 spot at the Transportation Department.
Trottenberg, confirmed Tuesday by a vote of 82-15, will be deputy to Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the former South Bend, Ind. mayor. Sheâll bring more than 30 years of experience to helping Biden sell his $2.25 trillion infrastructure package.
Bidenâs infrastructure plan faces pushback from Republicans and corporations opposed to the tax increases proposed to pay for the plan. Trottenberg, whose nomination was opposed by 15 Republicans, drew criticism over her efforts in New York City to regulate rideshare companies such as Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc.
Companyâs PAC stopped giving after Jan. 6 Capitol riot PAC contributed $1,000 to New York GOP lawmaker April 7, 2021 6:08 PM By Kenneth P. Doyle and Megan R. Wilson (Updates with CLC reaction after Disappointing Decision subhead and companies that paused giving and Realtorsâ decision to end that pause after Giving Review subhead.)
JetBlue Airways Corp. is the first company to end a pause in PAC contributions following the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and disclose giving to one of the Republican lawmakers objecting to the Electoral College vote count.
A $1,000 contribution from the airlineâs corporate political action committee to Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) was listed in the report filed with the Federal Election Commission on April 5. Malliotakis was among nearly 150 lawmakers who objected to the Electoral College vote certification on Jan. 6.