Sen. Chris Van Hollen, touring the port of Baltimore on Tuesday, said he hopes President Donald J. Trump and Congress will come to an agreement on how to address $1 trillion in infrastructure needs nationwide — although no such deal appears close.
Senate Democrats proposed a "blueprint" last month for federal investment in the country's roads, bridges, ports and airports, but despite rare bipartisan support for the issue in Washington, paying for it has been a point of contention.
"My No. 1 goal is to get everybody around the table and figure out the best way forward," Van Hollen said. "I do think it's going to require a significant amount of public investment going forward. This cannot be done solely through tax breaks, which is what some people are proposing."
During the campaign and as president, Trump has repeatedly voiced his support for a $1 trillion infrastructure overhaul. His advisers have said the president's plan will be funded by tax credits and public-private partnerships, but they have provided no details on what it might look like.
Van Hollen praised the Baltimore port — which operates under a public-private partnership between the Maryland Port Administration and Ports America Chesapeake — for being recognized for the third straight year as the most efficient in the nation. He said he wants to see the Howard Street Tunnel under Baltimore expanded and other measures taken to ensure the port can continue to grow.
The Republican-controlled Senate is beginning to confirm President Donald Trump's cabinet and other key nominees. Here is a look at how Maryland's two senators — both Democrats — have voted on those appointments on the floor. For nominees on whom floor votes have not been held, the list reflects...
The Republican-controlled Senate is beginning to confirm President Donald Trump's cabinet and other key nominees. Here is a look at how Maryland's two senators — both Democrats — have voted on those appointments on the floor. For nominees on whom floor votes have not been held, the list reflects...
"I wish the new Congress and the new administration had started out by talking about modernizing our infrastructure, something that brings people together," the senator said.
"It's a huge need for Baltimore, for Maryland and for the country, and it would've been much better to start out on a point of common ground rather than some of the division we're seeing."
cmcampbell@baltsun.com
cmcampbell@baltsun.com
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Once the parade winds down and the spectators leave the National Mall on Friday, incoming President Donald J. Trump is set to use his first hours in office to reverse some of his predecessor's highest-profile policies.
Even before he begins dismantling the Affordable Care Act and building a wall...
Once the parade winds down and the spectators leave the National Mall on Friday, incoming President Donald J. Trump is set to use his first hours in office to reverse some of his predecessor's highest-profile policies.
Even before he begins dismantling the Affordable Care Act and building a wall...
//www.twitter.com/cmcampbell6
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