Republicans Should Pivot to Infrastructure

After the collapse of the Senate health care bill on Monday night, Republicans find themselves at a familiar impasse. The GOP-led Congress has failed to capture the flag that conservatives have chased for the last 7 years running: the repeal and replacement of Obamacare.

Republicans in Congress face some grim truths as they (eventually) enter into the August recess. Since the GOP snatched control of all three branches of government, they have yet to muster a single legislative victory. Obamacare remains the law of the land. Tax reform and a working budget are on the back burners. Now Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is maneuvering toward a vote that could finally put the repeal conversation behind Congress—or open up another round of debate.

Congressional leaders should consider a different tack: an infrastructure spending bill. For political reasons, an infrastructure bill would be an easy A for representatives to take home to their communities. Passing a bill on infrastructure could deliver the kind of win that has been elusive for the 117th Congress so far. And, according to a new report by the Economic Policy Institute, there are key macroeconomic reasons to invest in infrastructure, too.

In early April — nearly eight months ago — President Trump told the New York Times: "[W]e're going to have a very big infrastructure plan. And bill. And it's going to come soon. And I think we'll have support from Democrats and Republicans."

It's late November, and we're still waiting.