Schumer Gives Trump’s $1 Trillion Infrastructure Gamble A Big Bear Hug

Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Democratic leaders meet with reporters after Republicans gave up on their quest to stop funding for the Homeland Security Department unless it contained roll backs to counter President... Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Democratic leaders meet with reporters after Republicans gave up on their quest to stop funding for the Homeland Security Department unless it contained roll backs to counter President Barack Obama's executive actions on immigration, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, March 3, 2015. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) MORE LESS
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Incoming Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said he’s on board with Trump’s proposal for a massive $1 trillion infrastructure bill, according to a report from Politico.

Schumer might be more aligned with Trump on the infrastructure plan than Republican leaders who have warned against the infrastructure bill’s price tag – and appears eager to exploit those tensions.

Schumer made the comments during an interview on Jon Karl’s and Rick Klein’s “Powerhouse Politics” podcast.

“We think it should be large,” Schumer said according to a write up from Politico. “He’s mentioned a trillion dollars. I told him that sounded good to me.”

The infrastructure bill may be a place where Schumer’s and Trump’s visions align more than Trump’s and his own party’s do. HIllary Clinton’s proposed infrastructure plan was far less expansive than Trump’s.

McConnell told reporters earlier this month that “I hope we avoid a trillion-dollar stimulus.”

Washington is watching Schumer closely to see what deals he may be able to broker with the new president. Schumer said on the podcast he plans to be judicious, but isn’t going to be blocking any pieces of legislation just because they are coming from Trump.

“We’re not going to oppose something simply because it has the name Trump on it, but we will certainly not sacrifice our principles just to get something done,” Schumer said.

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