"WASHINGTON — The last time President Donald Trump sat down with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, the president walked out in a huff and dismissed their government shutdown talks as a “total waste of time.”
Nearly four months later, the leaders are coming together again Tuesday, this time in search of a plan to fix the country’s crumbling infrastructure. It’s seen as the one issue with the best chance for the two sides to work together this Congress — and even that isn’t given good odds for a fruitful ending.
The meeting plays out against the backdrop of high tensions over escalating Democratic investigations following the release of special counsel Robert Mueller’s report into Russian meddling. Lawmakers and the Republican president also have on eye on the 2020 elections, meaning every provision of an infrastructure package — including how to pay for it — will be made with that in mind."
Kevin Freking reports for the Associated Press April 30, 2018.
SEE ALSO:
"Democrats Split On Hiking Gas Tax Ahead Of Infrastructure Meeting With Trump" (ABC News)
"Dems Want Climate Change, Tax Hikes In Infrastructure Deal" (The Hill)
"Climate Change Looms Over Trump Infrastructure Meeting With Democrats" (McClatchy)
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