Law360 Quotes Susan Lent on Likelihood of Infrastructure Spending by New Congress
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Susan Lent, a partner in Akin Gump’s infrastructure and transportation practice, was quoted in the Law360 story “Invigorated Dems Renew Focus On Transpo Infrastructure.” The article reports that increased infrastructure investment and oversight will likely be a priority of Democrats when they take over the majority of the House of Representatives in January.
President Trump has said he is open to working with congressional Democrats on a range of areas, including infrastructure, where he would like to see bipartisanship. Still, getting lawmakers to agree on ways to pay for any investment could be a tough political battle.
“With President Trump having made infrastructure spending a priority, Democratic control of the House could offer an opportunity for Congress and the White House to advance infrastructure legislation,” said Lent. “The challenge, however, will continue to be how to pay for it. Congressman DeFazio [the top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee] has worked across party lines and likely will continue to do so to reach agreement on infrastructure legislation.”
The article reports that the likely new head of the House Appropriations Committee, has indicated she will shore up funding for transportation programs and has mentioned possibly restoring earmarks.
Lent observed, “It’s not clear if the Senate also would be amenable to restoring earmarks, but if Congress were to take that step, it potentially could provide the impetus for bipartisan agreement on infrastructure legislation and make it easier for Congress to pass spending bills.”