Trump Urges Congress To Slash Major Transit Construction In A Fit of Political Pique

President Trump is urging House and Senate Republicans to cut $900 million of proposed funding for construction of a third transit tunnel under the Hudson River into Penn Station, in retaliation for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Shumer’s opposition to Trump’s nominees and legislative agenda. Although there is bipartisan agreement in Congress that the project is essential to the long term economic prosperity of New York City and the surrounding region, White House officials say “We’re not going to start the discussion of rebuilding our entire nation with a single – albeit large – project, especially not one where 90 percent of the benefits go to local transit riders.”

Trump delivered the latest salvo in this petty political spat when he visited the Capitol rotunda to pay respects to Rev. Billy Graham lying in honor there, and urged House Speaker Paul Ryan to eliminate funding for the tunnel, though the House already approved the appropriation. The president’s pique puts Ryan in a difficult position respecting Republicans, including New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and New York Congressman Peter King, both of whom support the tunnel project.