Lowey: Trump Proposal Insufficient to Meet Infrastructure Needs

Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester), Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee, on Monday came out against President Trump's new infrastructure initiative, which she criticized as an insufficient and irresponsible proposal to address America's crumbling infrastructure.

The president's proposal, which dedicates just $200 billion in direct federal spending, would be offset by unspecified cuts to other federal programs. The American Society of Civil Engineers has said that the U.S. needs $4.59 trillion in infrastructure investments by 2025.

"The president’s long-overdue plan falls far short of fixing the nation’s crumbling infrastructure and erodes the federal government's longstanding commitment to our national infrastructure needs," said Congresswoman Lowey. "Providing a fraction of needed federal investment, paid for with cuts to other federal programs, and shifting the funding burden to states is not a serious or responsible way to rebuild U.S. infrastructure."

Congresswoman Lowey explained that under the president's proposal, local needs would go unmet and critical infrastructure projects would be put at risk without necessary federal funding.

"Projects of regional and national importance that depend on federal funding, like the Gateway tunnel project, would be put at risk," said Congresswoman Lowey. "The president’s proposal doesn't even mention investments critical to addressing local needs like assistance for Positive Train Control implementation, safe transport of crude oil, and grade crossing improvements."

Congresswoman Lowey also called for a dedicated funding stream to rebuild and modernize the nation's infrastructure.

"Instead of relying on private sector investment to fill funding gaps—which would ultimately lead to higher fees and taxes on middle-class taxpayers—the Administration should create a dedicated, permanent revenue stream to repair, rebuild, and modernize our infrastructure," said Congresswoman Lowey. "Democrats and Republicans agree that we have a unique opportunity to bring our infrastructure into the 21st Century. The president’s patchwork proposal is insufficient to meet that goal."