WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King, I-Maine, released the following statement after taking part in a bipartisan, bicameral meeting at the White House with President Joe Biden to discuss opportunities for Congressional action to bolster our nation’s infrastructure:

“Today’s meeting was a productive, open dialogue that brought bipartisan voices to the table in the effort of reaching a compromise that can address our nation’s infrastructure needs without drastically increasing the national debt,” said Senator King. “We all agreed on the importance of upgrading our infrastructure – including the need for investments in our broadband infrastructure – and centered much of the conversation on priorities for the package and possible funding mechanisms.

“Each Member in attendance had the opportunity to say their piece, allowing for a fruitful dialogue on the opportunities and pitfalls ahead. There were, of course, areas of disagreement – and during the meeting, I urged my Republican colleagues to provide a realistic counter-proposal that addresses the bipartisan areas of consensus. Critically, all ten of us had served as either Governor or Mayor before entering Congress – which means we understand both the importance of federal infrastructure investments and the fundamental value of a compromise. We didn’t walk out of the Oval Office with a final agreement, but I left the meeting optimistic that there is bipartisan will to get this done.”

In addition to Senator King, Congressional leaders at today’s White House meeting were Senators Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), and Representatives Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), Charlie Crist (D-Fla.), Carlos Giménez (R-Fla.), Kay Granger (R-Texas), and Norma Torres (D-Calif.). Each of the Members previously served as a Governor or Mayor before being elected to Congress.