WASHINGTON–- U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which exercises jurisdiction over aviation, railroad, broadband, and other key infrastructure, issued the following statements on the national infrastructure proposal unveiled by the White House today.

“Through this guidance and letting Congress have the opportunity to write bipartisan legislation, President Trump has offered us direction to meet infrastructure needs in our nation’s states, cities, and rural communities,” said Thune. “Aligning federal infrastructure funding with local priorities and looking at other impediments to building would increase accountability and help us meet our most critical infrastructure needs faster.  I look forward to working with my ranking member, Sen. Nelson, and other colleagues on both sides of the aisle to discuss and incorporate their ideas and priorities into legislation.”

“Modernizing our transportation and communication networks is something we all agree the U.S. desperately needs in order to create more jobs and maintain our leadership in the global economy,” said Nelson. “We need to make real investments - not cuts - in Florida and communities around the country. That’s why I plan to work with Chairman Thune and my colleagues on the Senate Commerce Committee to try to come up with a bill that can garner broad support and include ideas from both parties.” 

Last year, the Senate Commerce Committee held hearings on infrastructure and workforce development needs including surface transportation, aviation, and broadband deployment. Beginning in March, the Commerce Committee will convene hearings to help inform legislative efforts on the administration’s proposal and other infrastructure questions.

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