Roger Marshall turned his back on Kansans when he failed to support the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Marshall panned the bill, called it names, and voted it down. Thankfully, the bill still passed, because Kansas saw billions of dollars invested in a sprawling rejuvenation of infrastructure across the board, benefiting Kansans from all walks of live in every corner of the state. Marshall seems to be thankful, too, because he has made a habit of taking credit for projects around Kansas that stem from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law he so vehemently opposed.
2021: Marshall Voted Against The Bipartisan Infrastructure Package, Which Would Provide $550 Billion In New Infrastructure Funding, Including For Surface Transportation, Broadband, Water And Energy Infrastructure. In August 2021, Marshall voted against the Infrastructure Investment And Jobs Act which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, “provide approximately $550 billion in new infrastructure spending, including for surface transportation, broadband, water and energy infrastructure.” The vote was on passage. The Senate passed the bill by a vote of 69-30, resolved differences with the House, sent it to the President and ultimately became law. [Senate Vote 314, 8/10/21; Congressional Quarterly, 8/10/21; Congressional Actions, H.R. 3684]
Marshall Characterized An Early Proposal Of The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law As A “Grab Your Wallet Bill” That Would “Kill The Economy.” According to a press release from Sen. Marshall, “U.S. Senator Roger Marshall issued the following statement after President Biden unveiled his $2 trillion infrastructure plan of which less than 6% goes to roads and bridges. The package also raises taxes and places burdensome regulations on the American people.‘With only 6% of this package going towards roads and bridges, this is hardly an infrastructure package. The Democrats should call this the “Grab your Wallet Bill” or the “Raise your Taxes Bill,”’ said Senator Marshall. ‘I’m for an infrastructure plan that invests in future generations, but we have to figure out how to pay for it. The President has once again produced a partisan proposal loaded with Green New Deal type pet projects and with no way to pay for it. This bill is just another ploy to spend your money, raise your taxes, and increase regulations. All Kansans should be concerned as this is a recipe to kill the economy at a time when our nation is still recovering from COVID.’” [Press Release – Sen. Marshall, 3/31/21]
Marshall Called The BIL A “Multi-Trillion Dollar Socialist Spending Bill.” According to a press release from Sen. Marshall, “U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. issued the following statement after voting against the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which is only half paid for and adds $256 billion to the deficit over the next 10 years. ‘I support a much needed infrastructure bill that paves the way and invests in Kansas’ future, but we must find a way to pay for it that does not involve robbing our seniors or continuing to mortgage our grandchildren’s future,’ said Senator Marshall. ‘Over the past eighteen months, Congress has borrowed more than $6 trillion above our budget, our country is now approaching $30 trillion in debt, and as a result, we are seeing runaway inflation with no sign of letting up. This legislation is a gateway to Democrats’ multi-trillion dollar socialist spending bill that will raise our taxes, increase burdensome federal mandates, and continue to drive up the cost of everyday goods and services. We must stop this pattern of wasteful spending that saddles future generations with crippling debt.’” [Press Release – Sen. Marshall, 8/10/21]
2024: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Had Secured $3.3 Billion In Funding For Over 376 Infrastructure Projects Across Kansas. According to KCLY, “On the three-year anniversary of the bipartisan infrastructure law, Representative Sharice Davids highlighted how the law is already benefiting Kansas. The law is bringing about $3.3 billion to the state, funding over 376 projects to improve roads, water quality, broadband access, and more. Davids, who serves on the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, worked with the President and White House officials to help pass this legislation. The law focuses on supporting communities across Kansas, including rural areas and historically underserved populations, with investments that will improve life for residents and help the state succeed.” [KCLY, 11/18/24]
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Unlocked Over $218 Million For Kansas Water Infrastructure Upgrades. According to a press release from the Environmental Protection Agency, “Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $56,829,000 from President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda for Kansas drinking water and clean water infrastructure upgrades. […] The funding is part of the over $50 billion investment in water infrastructure upgrades from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – the largest such investment in American history. Today’s announcement will support essential water infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies across the state. Almost half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans, ensuring that funds reach underserved communities most in need of investments in water infrastructure.[…] Since 2022, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has injected over $218 million into water infrastructure projects across the state, protecting public health, preserving water resources, and creating jobs.” [Press Release – Environmental Protection Agency, 2/10/24]
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Provided $42.5 Million To Strengthen Internet Access Across Kansas. According to a press release from Rep. Davids, “Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) awarded Kansas with $42.5 million in bipartisan infrastructure law funding to expand middle mile high-speed internet across the state, including in all five counties in Kansas’ Third Congressional District. […] ‘The internet is used to access crucial resources such as employment opportunities, business software capabilities, virtual learning, and health care,’ said Davids. ‘This new federal investment will help close the digital gap and keep our communities connected – particularly those who have not had access to high-speed internet in the past. I am proud to have voted for the bipartisan infrastructure law that continues to make a positive impact on the lives of Kansas families.’” [Press Release – Rep. Davids, 6/16/23]
Marshall Touted Funding For Highway And Port Projects Enabled By The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. According to The Kansas City Star, “When the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan bill to invest in the nation’s infrastructure in 2021, Sen. Roger Marshall attacked the legislation as “wasteful spending” and voted against it. Nearly five years later, the Republican senator celebrated that he had secured $191.7 million to support Kansas in 2025. He pointed to $98 million for a highway project in Olathe and a $25 million grant for the Stafford County Port Authority. ‘My team and I are here for Kansans,’ Marshall said in a statement touting the funding. But money for both of those projects came from the 2021 law that Marshall voted against and actively opposed, called the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.” [Kansas City Star, 7/8/26]
Marshall Repeatedly Credited Himself With Securing $250 Million In BIL Investments For Various Kansas Projects. According to The Kansas City Star, “Throughout his five years in the Senate, Marshall has repeatedly taken credit for funding programs he voted against, The Star found after poring through his voting record. Altogether, the Republican senator has touted at least $250 million of investment in Kansas projects funded by legislation that he voted against in the Senate. To his critics, Marshall’s votes and public statements paint a portrait of a senator willing to claim responsibility for projects and programs he actively fought against.” [Kansas City Star, 7/8/26]