Trump promises ‘big week’ for infrastructure, eyes foreign aid

President Trump on Monday forecasted “a big week for infrastructure” hours before the White House rolled out its long-awaited proposal to rebuild American public works.

“This will be a big week for Infrastructure,” Trump wrote on Twitter. “After so stupidly spending $7 trillion in the Middle East, it is now time to start investing in OUR Country!” 

This will be a big week for Infrastructure. After so stupidly spending $7 trillion in the Middle East, it is now time to start investing in OUR Country!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 12, 2018

The White House on Monday released its proposal for a $1.5 trillion infrastructure overhaul, a plan that will focus on public-private partnerships and funding from state and local governments.

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The federal government is slated to pitch in $200 billion in direct investment, which was included in the White House’s budget proposal for fiscal 2019 that was also revealed on Monday.

The plan is structured around four goals: generate $1.5 trillion for an infrastructure proposal, streamline the permitting process down to two years, invest in rural infrastructure projects and advance workforce training.

Trump vowed to address the country’s crumbling roads, bridges, transit systems, airports and other public works during his presidential campaign, floating several price tags for a package since running for and moving into the Oval Office.

His reference to dollars “stupidly” spent in the Middle East echoes concerns from lawmakers like Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who last month proposed cutting Pakistani aid funds to finance an infrastructure proposal.

“Let’s bring that money home and use it to help rebuild our infrastructure instead of giving it to a nation that persecutes Christians and imprisons people such as the doctor that helped us get Osama bin Laden,” Paul said in January.

Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Mark Sanford (R-S.C.) have proposed a companion bill in the House.

Updated at 5:15 p.m.