Jon Stewart’s Frustration Highlights the Unwieldy Process for Securing Build Back Better Grants

Jon Stewart’s Frustration Highlights the Unwieldy Process for Securing Build Back Better Grants

The host of “The Daily Show” Jon Stewart expressed clear frustration during a recent podcast episode while discussing the complex process states faced to secure funding from the federal government under the Build Back Better initiative proposed by former President Joe Biden.

Stewart’s visible exasperation came into sharp focus as he reacted to Ezra Klein, a columnist for The New York Times, who detailed the cumbersome 14-step application process necessary to tap into the funding intended for crucial infrastructure projects.

After Klein meticulously outlined the lengthy steps required to apply for Build Back Better grants, Stewart let out a mixture of disbelief and exasperation, stating, “I’m speechless,” as the absurdity of the process became evident.

Understanding Build Back Better

Build Back Better represented a major economic investment strategy introduced by Biden during the early years of his administration. The initiative aimed to funnel nearly $2 trillion into U.S. infrastructure and allocate a significant portion towards climate change initiatives.

Although Congress ultimately rejected the plan, Biden managed to integrate components of Build Back Better into other legislative measures, including the American Rescue Plan, aimed at aiding various sectors affected by the pandemic.

The Complex Application Process

During the podcast, Klein explained the elaborate hurdles that states needed to overcome to receive Build Back Better funds. He highlighted how only three out of 56 entities were able to succeed in navigating the daunting application process. This led Stewart to incredulously question Klein about the reality of these results.

“By the end of 2024, three have gotten to the end of the process,” Klein revealed. Stewart, astonished, sought clarification, asking about the implications of those three achieving success.

Klein quickly clarified that these winners had not yet constructed any infrastructure. Instead, they had merely reached the point in the process where they could theoretically obtain funding to build it.

Breaking Down the 14 Steps

During the show, Stewart encouraged Klein to break down the rigorous 14-stage application process. Klein obliged, explaining that states and jurisdictions needed to submit letters of intent, request planning grants, and develop five-year action plans, all requiring multiple layers of approval from various government agencies.

As Klein described the time-consuming nature of the process, noting that actions only led entities to what he called “step five” after three years of effort, Stewart reacted with animated disbelief. Each subsequent detail about the federal bureaucracy involved prompted Stewart to groan and laugh, highlighting the absurdity of such extensive red tape.

“So having done the NOFO [Notice of Funding Opportunity], the letters of intent, the request for planning grants, then the review, approval, and awarding of the planning grants, the federal government still has to produce a map demonstrating where rural broadband subsidies are needed,” Klein explained. “And the states also have to challenge this map for accuracy, which doesn’t happen overnight.”

Critiques of the Administration

Stewart’s reactions grew increasingly animated as Klein continued to list out the bureaucratic steps. Klein pointed out the difficulties of such a complex process and suggested that it reflected poorly on the Biden administration’s approach to its initiatives.

He remarked, “This is the Biden administration’s process for its own bill. They wanted this to happen. This is how liberal governance operates now.” Stewart’s incredulity deepened as Klein reached step 12, which stated that states must conduct a competitive sub-granting process.

“Oh my f—— God!” Stewart exclaimed, visibly losing it as the realities of the process unfolded. By the end of their conversation, Stewart summed up his feelings succinctly. He stated, “I’m speechless. Honestly, it’s far worse than I could’ve imagined; but the fact that they amputated their own legs over this is what’s so stunning.”

Rethinking Government Efficiency

The interchange between Stewart and Klein not only exposed the difficulties of securing grants but also raised broader questions about the efficiency of government processes. The extensive bureaucracy surrounding initiatives like Build Back Better illustrates a significant challenge for states striving to implement vital projects and achieve economic development.

Stewart’s passionate responses during the podcast reveal a growing frustration many share regarding bureaucratic inefficiencies that hinder progress. Discussions such as this underscore the need for a reassessment of governmental processes and their compatibility with the urgent demands of citizens and communities throughout the country.

Ultimately, while the intent of the Build Back Better initiative is laudable, the challenges in navigating the application process demonstrate the complexities of enacting meaningful change. More streamlined and accessible processes are critical if government programs are to effectively address infrastructure needs and societal challenges.