Republicans against Biden’s climate bills are now reaping the benefits

The “vote no and take the dough” Republicans are reaping the rewards of President Joe Biden’s signature accomplishments, with GOP districts receiving the lion’s share of clean energy manufacturing investments from the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Investments from those two programs—the biggest investment the federal government has ever made to address climate change—are flowing heavily toward Republican districts in critical swing states.

Passed in 2022, the IRA has brought $206 billion in investments in clean energy technology manufacturing, just as it was designed to do. Republicans not only unanimously opposed that package, but they also voted to repeal key parts of it more than two dozen times in the first year after it passed. 

The infrastructure law, which provides billions for shoring up the nation’s infrastructure in the face of climate change, had minimal Republican support—just 13 GOP House members. It’s a favorite among Republicans, who trumpet the millions coming to their districts and the jobs created.