President Donald Trump traveled to Ohio to pitch rebuilding America’s infrastructure, declaring "We will fix it. We will create the first-class infrastructure our country and our people deserve."
On Bloomberg, Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) commended the Trump administration’s emphasis on infrastructure improvements:
Our ports are in need of help. Our airports are in need of help. So, I’m encouraged by what I see.
The business community, understanding that improved highways, airports, waterways, and other infrastructure will mean a stronger economy, is also behind the push. U.S. Chamber Executive Director for Transportation Infrastructure Ed Mortimer, said in a statement:
We applaud President Trump and his administration for leading the conversation this week on an issue of critical importance to our 21st century economy: rebuilding America's infrastructure. The Chamber and the business community look forward to engaging with the White House and with Congress to develop and implement a long-term plan that will bring our nation's infrastructure up to speed and spur economic growth. Now is the time to take action and to get the job done.
And recently U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue wrote for CNBC:
We must modernize the physical platform of our economy for the 21st century—and this year, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to do it.
After years of talking about failing infrastructure, we finally have the bipartisan buy-in, political will, and public support to do something about it.
There’s also strong public support for infrastructure improvements. A poll commissioned by the U.S. Chamber found 55% of voters want the federal government to invest more in airports and runways, 54% want more investment in ship ports and canals, and 53% want more investment in locks and dams.
What’s more, 72% want the federal government to invest in infrastructure of all types. In addition, this support cuts across party. At least 60% of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents want Congress to work on an infrastructure package.
Such broad support is a strength for making things happen. “It’s an opportunity both improve the economy,” Sen. Portman told Bloomberg. “And secondly it’s an opportunity to work on a bipartisan basis on something where Democrats and Republicans alike see to have similar views.”
About the authors
Sean Hackbarth
Sean writes about public policies affecting businesses including energy, health care, and regulations. When not battling those making it harder for free enterprise to succeed, he raves about all things Wisconsin (his home state) and religiously follows the Green Bay Packers.
