With the 2018 midterm elections meaning Washington will return to divided government next year, leaders in both parties will be looking to position themselves for the 2020 election, which is not as far away as it may seem. In some cases that will mean making clear the differences between the two parties. However, Republican and Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill and President Trump will also be looking for opportunities to demonstrate that they can do the work of governing. While many issues are going to be a battle for the next two years, transportation and infrastructure are areas where there are opportunities for bipartisanship.

At long last – An infrastructure package? -

It is now almost expected that at the start of every Congress there is talk of Republicans and Democrats coming together to address the nation’s crumbling infrastructure. Plans have been put forth, speeches given, press releases issued, but to date none have resulted in passage of an infrastructure package. But this time it could be different. Aside from the obvious need for action on infrastructure, there are political realities that point toward the possibility of something getting done in the 116th Congress. First, much of the groundwork has been laid with House and Senate Democrats and the Trump Administration putting forth infrastructure proposals in the 115th Congress. While those plans should be viewed as wish lists, they do give an indication of where congressional and executive branch priorities lie. Secondly, infrastructure is an issue which, in principle, has bipartisan support and could serve to demonstrate the ability to govern from Capitol Hill. For President Trump, who in the end sees himself as a builder, the clock is ticking on securing another big legislative win as he gears up to seek reelection in 2020. The President has already said that infrastructure is an area where he may be able to work with the incoming Democratic House majority. Incoming House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) has said he intends to push a $500 billion infrastructure plan with investments for highways and transit, airports, and water projects. Ambitiously, Rep. DeFazio has said he wants to see his plan approved by the House in the first half of 2019.