In Tuesday’s State of the Union address, President Donald Trump said he would work with Congress to rebuild the nation’s crumbling infrastructure. Trump did not provide specifics on plan details or how the plan would be funded.
Funding infrastructure requires bipartisan legislation, Trump said.
Many industry groups agree with Trump’s statement.
“We commend President Trump for pressing bipartisan solutions,” Dave Bauer, president and CEO of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association, said. “The last two federal surface transportation investment laws were achieved during eras of divided government. This time should be no different. A permanent revenue solution to the chronic shortfall plaguing the Highway Trust Fund should be the foundational priority for any infrastructure package.”
During the 2018 address, Trump provided a more detailed infrastructure plan, pledging at least $1.5 trillion. He also said funding would come from state and local governments and private sector investments.
Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR.), House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chairman, said he agrees infrastructure is a critical issue but said sustainable, long-term federal funding is needed for the Highway Trust Fund.
Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO), the committee’s minority leader, said that in addition to funding issues, legislation needs to safely and quickly integrate 21st-century technology.