WATCH: Norquist says gas tax hike is a ‘lousy idea’

by Alexandra Oliveira - 02/22/18 5:33 PM ET

Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, is against any infrastructure plan that would rely on taxes hikes.

{mosads}In an interview with The Hill at this year’s Conservative Political Action Conference, Norquist criticized President Trump’s recent idea to increase the gas tax to 25 percent to pay for his $1.5 trillion infrastructure plan.

“That’s a lousy idea, and it’s never gonna happen” Norquist said.

Last week, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao told reporters that “everything is on the table” when it comes to paying for the administration’s long-promised infrastructure reform.

The path forward on public works remains uncertain, but Norquist is confident the gas tax will not be part of any plan.

“The good news is from the House and the Senate is I’ve heard back: ‘You’re completely right … it’s not happening,’ ” he said.

Trump’s infrastructure package calls for public-private partnerships that would rely heavily on state and local governments.

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