Trump meets with Rep. Shuster to discuss infrastructure

Chambersburg Public Opinion

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Everett, met with President Trump on Monday in the Oval Office to discuss the nation’s infrastructure.

The White House said in a statement, "The President had a productive meeting with Rep. Shuster, during which they discussed the President's bold plan for rebuilding America's infrastructure, which has fallen into an unacceptable condition due to decades of misguided policies. He looks forward to working with Rep. Shuster and his colleagues in Congress to turn this vision into legislation next year."

Shuster, representing Franklin County and Pennsylvania's 9th Congressional District, chairs the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Trump previously supported Shuster’s efforts to privatize the nation’s air traffic controllers.

More:Trump backs Shuster's air traffic control plan

Trump has long proposed a multi-billion-dollar investment in the nation’s highways, bridges, waterways, pipelines and airports, but other issues have taken priority in the GOP-controlled government. Politicians have debated how to pay for the improvements.

U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Everett, is shown here leaving a news conference in November while in Washington D.C.

“Today’s meeting with the President was a very positive step forward as we begin to work towards improving America’s infrastructure,” Shuster said. “I appreciate the President’s strong leadership on this issue that is critical to improving our economy and creating jobs – something that matters to every American. We had a good, productive discussion, and I look forward to working with the President, the Administration, and my congressional colleagues as we move into the new year to identify specific proposals and priorities.”

More:Poll: Art Halvorson is within striking distance of Rep. Bill Shuster

Transportation Elaine Chao, Chief of Staff John Kelly, Director of Legislative Affairs Marc Short and National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn also were in the meeting..

Shuster told The Hill that he met with House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin, last week to discuss the infrastructure effort.

Jim Hook, 717-262-4759