Remarks by President Biden on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Investments

L.A. Metro, D Line (Purple) Extension Transit Project
Los Angeles, California

11:21 A.M. PDT

THE PRESIDENT: Before you leave — before she walks off the stage, I want her to understand why, for certain, she has this job.

First of all, I know I get criticized by the other team for being the most pro-union President in history. There’s a simple reason for that. (Applause.) People don’t understand how many year- — how many months and years of apprenticeship?

MS. HERNANDEZ: Four.

THE PRESIDENT: Four. Four years. So they think anybody just shows up for a union job and gets a job. It’s like going back to school. It is going to school. And they’re the best in the world. They’re the best in the world, all of you. I’m not just saying that.

The middle class built this country, and unions built the middle class. And you’re on this job because that woman said, “Hire local.” (Applause.)

Anyway, thank you.

MS. HERNANDEZ: Thank you. (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT: Well, Mr. Mayor and soon-to-be Ms. Mayor — (laughter and applause) — I — Mayor Garcetti has been a good friend for a long, long time.

If I’m being really honest about it, I probably wouldn’t be standing here addressing you had he not helped me a lot. And thank you for welcoming me into your city.

And I want to thank Hilda Solis. I resent the fact she left Washington, because I miss her personally, but her — she — love of her job and what she’s doing for Los Angeles is so consequential.

And a special thank you to California Democrats in Congress, many of whom are here today.

Senator Padilla, I — you — you’re the same way. You jumped in to help me out. You’re doing one hell of a job as a freshman senator. I mean — I mean that sincerely. And it’s noticed by everyone. It’s great to see you.

Representative Maxine Waters — whatever Maxine says, I agree with.

And Natalie [Nanette] Barragán. Natalie, where — where’s Nat- — Nanette. Where’s Nanette? There you are. Sorry, Nanette. I didn’t see you back there.

And Ted Lieu. And Nanette Barragán. Ted, there you are. And Linda Sánchez. And Brad Sherman. And — I just don’t want to leave anybody out.

And — what’s her name again? Karen Bass? (Laughter.)
AUDIENCE MEMBER: Karen Bass! (Applause.)THE PRESIDENT: Karen, you’re the best. You’re the best.Look, folks, you know, one of the things about a real leader is: The place they’re trying to lead matters a lot of how much they love the place they (inaudible). She loves this city, and she’s always working with the people of her district.And I know this is — you and Ted are about a block — you know, separated by a street. But you’re always working to expand opportunity and a better future for all our children and our families for this city and all around the country. And you never leave anybody behind. You never leave anybody behind.And that’s exactly what this project will do that you all are building. It’s going to be a better life for everybody. And I’m not — that’s not hyperbole.Before I begin, let me say a few words quickly about today’s report on inflation. Americans are squeezed by the cost of living. It’s been true for years, and folks don’t need a report to tell them they’re being squeezed.Fighting this battle every day is a key reason why I ran for President of the United States.The way I think about it is the way my dad used to talk about it. And he’d say, “You know, after the end of the month, when you get your paycheck — at the end of the month, do you have enough to pay for everything you owe, all your bills, and would you have a little left for some breathing room, just a little bit of breathing room.”And that’s my view of what it important and critical. And a lot of people are hurting these days.Today’s report shows, though, some progress. Overall, inflation was 2 percent over the last three months. That’s down from 11 percent over the prior three months. And that’s progress.But a lot of it is the result of getting the cost of living at the gas pump down by more — now even in California now — by more than a dollar nationally and — since the start of summer. And there’s a big difference for working folks.But the price of gas is still too high, and we need to keep working […]

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