Republican Representative Bryan Steil of Wisconsin is claiming credit for securing $94.3 million in federal funding to reduce lead in drinking water across his state. However, this money originates from President Joe Biden's bipartisan infrastructure law, which Steil voted against in 2021.
Steil's Social Media Announcement
On Wednesday, Steil posted on social media: "Great news for Wisconsin! Proud to have worked to bring safe drinking water funding to our state." He attached a screenshot and link to an Environmental Protection Agency press release detailing the funding.
The funds are allocated through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, which draws from a $15 billion pool established under the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Steil opposed this legislation when it passed the House in November 2021.
Steil's Previous Stance
At the time of the vote, Steil stated: "Today, I voted against the so-called infrastructure portion of Speaker Pelosi and President Biden's $3 trillion spending agenda." He argued that while investments in infrastructure are needed, the bill was "not paid for" and would fund "Green New Deal subsidies" with only a small portion directed to roads and bridges. He pledged to continue "voting against wasteful spending in Washington."
A spokesperson for Steil did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday.
Pattern of Hypocrisy
House Republicans have repeatedly taken credit for projects funded by the infrastructure bill despite voting against it, a trend that has become a punchline for President Biden. Representative Ashley Hinson of Iowa, Representative Gary Palmer of Alabama, and former Representative Kay Granger of Texas have all been caught doing the same. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota criticized the bill and voted against it before quietly requesting funds from it.
At a September 2022 event, Biden laughed and said: "I've seen them out there. 'And now we're going to build this new bridge here.' We're all for it. 'And by the way, this new road. And we're going to have an internet that's going to be all' – I love them, man. They ain't got no shame."
