PBN: R.I. congressional members discuss Washington Bridge, economy at Chamber breakfast

WARWICK – U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo, D-R.I., said Rhode Islanders have a right to be disappointed in state leadership’s response to the Washington Bridge closure during a panel discussion at Monday’s Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce 2024 Congressional Breakfast.

“To see an example of government just not meeting the moment. It’s sometimes frustrating,” he said, adding that he is “optimistic” regarding the state’s application for a U.S. Department of Transportation National Infrastructure Project Assistance discretionary grant or mega grant. 

More than 500 business, civic and political leaders attended the breakfast at the Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick, which was moderated by Chamber President Laurie White. 

Sponsored by Citizens Bank, panelists included Amo, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., and U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner, D-R.I., who participated in a wide-ranging conversation touching on inflation, the student-led protests that are continuing on many college campuses over the war on Gaza, the Washington Bridge, artificial intelligence and the environment. 

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Amo pushed back against the argument that positive job numbers and other economic indicators on the upswing are a convincing message to the average consumer. 

“They are not necessarily experiencing the strength and all of the benefits we are projecting about the economy,” he said. “Whether it’s someone’s ability to buy a home or the cost of groceries.” 

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Amo agreed there is a “burden of regulation and legislation” on the part of lawmakers around A.I. but cautioned of potential overreach. 

“You don’t want to stifle innovation,” he said.