Top Senate Democrat Receptive to Trump Infrastructure Plan
President-elect Donald Trump’s $1 trillion infrastructure investment proposal he plans to advance during the first 100 days of his administration will be considered with an open mind by Senate Democrats, the Democratic leader in the upper chamber said over the weekend.
“Surprisingly, on certain issues, candidate Trump voiced very progressive and populists opinions. For instance … a large infrastructure bill, cleaning up the swamp in Washington. These are things the Democrats have always stood for and frankly Republicans have always been against,” Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said on Meet the Press on Nov. 20.
Schumer added his caucus would challenge Trump to follow through on a large-scale infrastructure proposal. He warned that if his administration were to backtrack on infrastructure, Trump would be “breaking his promise to particularly the blue collar workers, many of whom voted for him on those particular issues.”
The Trump team is proposing to lure private investors through tax credits so they build new roadways, bridges and airports. The proposed tax credits, which Congress would need to authorize, would result in a $1 trillion investment in infrastructure over a decade, the Trump campaign argues.
Republican transportation leaders on Capitol Hill have not endorsed Trump’s infrastructure proposal, citing a need for additional details. Transportation and industry groups are welcoming a national conversation on boosting funding for infrastructure upgrades to freight and passenger corridors.
“The stakes are indeed high, but overall if the program is implemented, it will result in a big win for American business and American workers,” said Jean DellAmore, president of Stertil-Koni, a provider of heavy-duty vehicle lifting systems. “The reason is clear: It will spur jobs and manufacturing in multiple regions of the country, including the Rust Belt.”
