WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, released the following statement on the latest Trump Administration’s infrastructure outline.

“President Trump’s charade of an infrastructure plan does little to provide any real federal leadership in rebuilding and maintaining America’s roads, bridges, waterways and other critical infrastructure. This is yet another ruse that puts public health at risk by gutting the foundational environmental laws that protect our clean air, clean water, and healthy land. The proposal also goes back on the President’s promise to buy American and hire American by gutting protections for workers, wages, and Buy America requirements.

“Astoundingly, the proposal actually cuts more in infrastructure spending than it would add. $240 billion in infrastructure spending is eliminated, reducing budgets in every category: from roads and bridges to ports, to transit, to water and wastewater. This is no way to create stronger and safer infrastructure. 

“The Trump proposal released today sets up a false choice: improving infrastructure or improving our environment and protections for American workers. Marylanders and all Americans know that we do not need to choose between a safe and healthy environment, fair pay, and improved infrastructure.

“I had held out hope that the President would work in good faith and take into consideration the concerns of both Democratic and Republican Members of Congress, but sadly, those hopes were dashed. It is now clearer to me than ever that infrastructure joins the long list of issues for which the White House has no desire to be a serious negotiating partner. I am now and always have been enthusiastic to work in a bipartisan manner on an infrastructure plan that makes our communities both cleaner and safer. It is apparent that Congress will need to take the lead on infrastructure.” 

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