I agree, the idea that the government can't afford it is odd. When the lockdowns started, both parties quickly agreed to the pandemic bailout, because well, saying no would've meant political suicide.

The US will never suffer Greece or Venezuela-style bankruptcy because the whole world will go down with it considering the US dollar's status. And what is credit other than trust, if I loan Bob some money I trust Bob will be able to pay it back, now Bob might get hit by a truck or start a gambling habit and his ability to pay me back would be reduced/gone, but the USA will always have income in the form of tax from productive people paying them.

Then again maybe that's too simplistic, the USA could suffer an even worse political gridlock than what it currently has and grind to a halt.

How much do you think it would cost to get the infrastructure necessary to ensure that the US didn't need cars?