Trump, Republicans may hold off on infrastructure plan so they can use it for the 2018 midterms

[DonViejo]

FRIDAY, FEB 24, 2017 12:32 PM EST

Trump, Republicans may hold off on infrastructure plan so they can use it for the 2018 midterms

Republicans' backup plan for Trump's infrastructure proposal would coincide with the midterm elections

MATTHEW ROZSA

President Donald Trump may have made infrastructure investment a big part of his presidential campaign next year, but it looks like Republicans in Congress may push back these plans in order to focus on other legislative priorities — and to maximize their impact for the 2018 midterm elections.

Because Republicans want to focus on repealing the Affordable Care Act, cutting taxes, reducing government spending and pushing through the Supreme Court nomination of Neil Gorsuch, they’re working on a “backup plan” to delay Trump’s infrastructure projects, according to Axios.

In addition to allowing Republicans “breathing room” for pushing through their other goals, the sources who spoke to Axios say it will also put pressure on Democrats in Congress to pass an infrastructure bill — which they might otherwise oppose for political reasons — in order to funnel money into their states and districts during an election year.

Economists like Paul Krugman have criticized Trump’s current infrastructure plan as essentially a scam. By ditching publicly-funded projects for massive tax credits, they argue that Trump’s plan will ultimately serve as little more than a giant handout to the private companies willing to invest in them.

more
http://www.salon.com/2017/02/24/trump-republicans-may-hold-off-on-infrastructure-plan-so-they-can-use-it-for-the-2018-midterms/

[The Wielding Truth]

1. It's sick how they play us. I don't think that they would put up with it.

[Me.]

2. Go Ahead & Try It

By then they will have gotten nothing done and this will be another black mark

[global1]

3. Why Don't The Dems Beat The Repugs To The Punch With Their Own Model Infrastructure Bill First....

The best defense is a good offense. The Dems could then egg on the Repugs to challenge the Dem plan well before the 2018 midterms. We know that a lot of what the Repugs would do on infrastructure is try to privatize it.

The Dems should get out in front of infrastructure and make the Repugs defend the indefensible.

[Demit]

4. Salon says there'll be pressure on Democrats in Congress to pass an infrastructure bill??

And just how will Democrats manage that, being outnumbered in both houses?

The Salon writer is misrepresenting what's actually in the Axios story. Axios says only "Republican strategists say that Democrats, who'll be reluctant to give Trump a win, will be in a jam as midterm elections close in: They'll be under huge pressure to support big projects that'll bring money and improvements to their districts."

Sloppy paraphrasing, Salon.

[magicarpet]

5. Dems and Obama tried again and again.....

...... To pass an infrastructure repair/work bill to stimulate the economy after the Bush II economic crash. But the Repukes would not hear of it because the economic boost would reflect well upon Obama, and the pukes were determined not to help Obama making him a one term president and they made America suffer a slower economic recovery. But now that Obama's term is up and their man Trump is in a massive infrastructure repair bill is fine and dandy. No wonder the Dems are pissed to support this Puke hypocrisy and double standard. Not okay during Obama's term but the exact same fine for Trump and Puke support is forthcoming. The Republickpuke party way - one up political game man ship is paramount the well-being of America is secondary. Please hand me a barf bag.