Seven-figure ad campaign urges GOP to support infrastructure bill

Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) on Tuesday launched a $1.5 million TV, radio and digital ad campaign to build GOP support for the bipartisan infrastructure bill.

The advocacy group, which urges Republicans to support clean energy policies, is targeting nine GOP senators who have expressed interest in voting for the bill. 

“Fixing America’s aging and failing core infrastructure holds broad support across the country and across political parties,” said Heather Reams, the group’s executive director. “CRES strongly supports the bipartisan infrastructure package that works for all Americans by making our transportation, energy, and water sectors more reliable, resilient, and ready for the future.”

The ads target Sens. Shelley Moore CapitoShelley Wellons Moore CapitoThe Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by Facebook – White House, Dems play blame game over evictions GOP skepticism looms over bipartisan spending deal Graham’s COVID-19 ‘breakthrough’ case jolts Senate MORE (R-W.Va.), Joni ErnstJoni Kay ErnstOvernight Defense: Biden administration expands Afghan refugee program | Culture war comes for female draft registration | US launches third Somalia strike in recent weeks Grassley pressured to run as Democrats set sights on Iowa Republicans focus tax hike opposition on capital gains change MORE (R-Iowa), Chuck GrassleyChuck GrassleyBiden names new watchdog at finance agency after embattled IG departs McConnell warns Democrats against ‘artificial timeline’ for infrastructure deal Biden’s bipartisan deal faces Senate gauntlet MORE (R-Iowa), Jerry MoranGerald (Jerry) MoranGOP skepticism looms over bipartisan spending deal Graham: Bipartisan infrastructure pay-fors are insufficient This week: Democrats move forward with Jan. 6 probe MORE (R-Kan.), Mike RoundsMike RoundsGraham’s COVID-19 ‘breakthrough’ case jolts Senate White House cyber chief backs new federal bureau to track threats Eight Republicans join Democrats to confirm head of DOJ environmental division MORE (R-S.D.), John ThuneJohn Randolph ThuneThe Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by Facebook – White House, Dems play blame game over evictions GOP skepticism looms over bipartisan spending deal Graham’s COVID-19 ‘breakthrough’ case jolts Senate MORE (R-S.D.), Richard BurrRichard Mauze BurrSenate starts infrastructure debate amid 11th-hour drama The Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by Facebook – A huge win for Biden, centrist senators The 17 Republicans who voted to advance the Senate infrastructure bill MORE (R-N.C.), Thom TillisThomas (Thom) Roland TillisGraham’s COVID-19 ‘breakthrough’ case jolts Senate Biden’s bipartisan deal faces Senate gauntlet The Hill’s 12:30 Report – Presented by Facebook – US gymnast wins all-around gold as Simone Biles cheers from the stands MORE (R-N.C.) and Todd YoungTodd Christopher YoungGOP skepticism looms over bipartisan spending deal This week: Senate starts infrastructure sprint The Hill’s 12:30 Report – Presented by Facebook – US gymnast wins all-around gold as Simone Biles cheers from the stands MORE (R-Ind.).

Some of those GOP senators, including Thune, Moran and Young, have expressed skepticism about the funding mechanisms in the 2,700-page infrastructure bill, saying their vote could depend on the Congressional Budget Office’s assessment of the plan.

The Senate is currently debating amendments to the bill, which contains $550 billion in new spending to overhaul roads, bridges, transit, rail, broadband internet and the electric grid, among other measures.

The plan includes several energy measures backed by clean energy groups. The bill provides funding for zero-emission vehicles, energy efficient buildings and alternative energy sources such as solar, nuclear, hydrogen and hydropower.

The Senate needs to reach 60 votes to pass the bill. While 17 Republicans voted to start debate on the legislation, there is no guarantee that enough Republicans will support its final passage.

The proposal is backed by influential business groups and unions. The groups are battling former President TrumpDonald TrumpThe Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by Facebook – White House, Dems play blame game over evictions The Memo: Left pins hopes on Nina Turner in Ohio after recent defeats Biden administration to keep Trump-era rule of turning away migrants during pandemic MORE, who has accused Senate Republicans of “caving” to Democrats on the deal.