Speech highlights

On proposing a tax for top 1%

“You know, this is not to target those who’ve made it; not to seek retribution. This is about opening opportunities for everybody else. And here’s the truth: We all will do better when we all do well. It’s time to build our economy from the bottom up and from the middle out, not the top down.”

On passing the plan

“We have to move now. Because I’m convinced that if we act now, in 50 years, people are going to look back and say this was the moment that America won the future.”

On bipartisan support

“And I don’t think you’ll find a Republican today in the House or Senate ... who doesn’t think we have to improve our infrastructure. They know China and other countries are eating our lunch. So there’s no reason why it can’t be bipartisan again. The divisions of the moment shouldn’t stop us from doing the right thing for the future.”

On rebuilding America’s ‘backbone’

“It’s a vision not seen through the eyes of Wall Street or Washington, but through the eyes of hardworking people, like the people I grew up with.”

On his plan

“Is it big? Yes. Is it bold? Yes. And we can get it done.”

On his executive order to buy America

“... Investing in Americanbased companies and American workers. Not a contract will go out, that I control, that will not go to a company that is an American company with American products, all the way down the line, and American workers.”

On internet service

“Millions of Americans ... lack access to reliable high-speed Internet, including more than 35 percent of rural America. It’s a disparity even more pronounced during this pandemic. American Jobs will make sure every single — every single American has access to high quality, affordable, high-speed Internet for businesses, for schools.”

On the cost of the plan

“Critics say we shouldn’t spend this money. They ask, ‘What do we get out of it?’ Well, they said the same thing when we first flew into space for the first time. They said the same thing. Well, pushing the frontiers led to big benefits back home.”

On economic inclusion

“This plan is important, not only for what and how it builds, but it’s also important to where we build. It includes everyone, regardless of your race or your ZIP Code.”