DeWine says Trump wants to sign an infrastructure bill
Following WASHINGTON — a meeting Thursday at the White House, Gov.-elect Mike DeWine said President Donald Trump was “adamant” about working with congressional Republicans and Democrats to win passage of a bill to improve the nation’s roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects.
In an interview after meetings with Trump and senior administration officials, DeWine said Trump “reiterated he is very interested in an infrastructure bill,” which would include money to rebuild roads, bridges, ports and rail lines.
“He wants to work with Democrats on it, he wants to get something passed,” DeWine said. “He was adamant about that. He wants a bill; he wants something to happen.”
Trump urged DeWine and 12 other newly elected governors gathered at the White House to help lobby members of Congress on a bill. DeWine said Trump did not mention a price tag, but last year the White House outlined a plan for $1.5 trillion in public and private dollars. Our team will bring you the news you need as Mike DeWine prepares to take office as Ohio’s governor. Follow our team on Twitter at @ Ohio_Politics
While DeWine said much of the discussion centered on infrastructure, he and Michigan Gov.-elect Gretchen Whitmer warned the president about the danger of “invasive species and (Asian) Carp threatening the Great Lakes,” referring to the species trying to enter the Great Lakes through the Illinois River.
“This was a very agreeable meeting,” DeWine said. “Governors are very much interested in infrastructure. The Great Lakes’ governors are very interested in the Great Lakes.”
Before reporters were ushered out of the Cabinet Room where the meeting was held, Trump called the newly elected governors, who included both Republicans and Democrats, “some really terrific people. They’re going to do a wonderful job.”