One Major Similarity in the Trump and Clinton Infrastructure Plans

Donald Trump's first major economic speech showed significant changes, including how he'd pay for his hefty infrastructure plan. Both he and Hillary Clinton will likely be relying on the same funding source.

2 minute read

August 10, 2016, 9:00 AM PDT

By Irvin Dawid


It was only last week that Donald Trump told Fox Business that he'd pay for his $500 billion infrastructure plan through borrowing. Like many positions and declarations coming from the billionaire's campaign, it didn't last long. 

Trump unveiled his economic plan Monday at the Detroit Economic Club, adopting GOP tax cuts.

"He also says he wants U.S. companies to repatriate their foreign cash, proposing a one-time tax holiday that would allow them to pay just 10 percent to bring their cash home," reports Patti Domm, CNBC executive news editor. "That money would be used to pay for infrastructure."

The tax should sound familiar. Both House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-Cali.) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.), and President Obama looked to the same source to fund their transportation reauthorization packages, though they used different forms of it. Ultimately, neither was used to fund the FAST Act.

"[Both Trump and Clinton] could look to the repatriation tax holiday for the $2 trillion stashed overseas to cover some of the costs of their proposed infrastructure spending, according to Dan Clifton, head of policy research at Strategas.

Like the FAST Act approved last December, it's Congress that ultimately writes and approves spending bills.

Clinton also proposed an infrastructure bank to help fund her plan, dissected here.

There are major differences between the two candidate's infrastructure plans, reported Domm on July 28. 

Both candidates want to boost infrastructure spending, with the Republicans more focused on roads and bridges than mass transit. Clinton, on the other hand could be more favorable for railroads.

Differences also compared on The Transport Politic via Planetizen.

Tuesday, August 9, 2016 in CNBC

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog