The 21st century ushered in a new era of politics and political discourse, one that set aside the now somewhat quaint but pleasant honeymoon period for the new US president and his team. Added to that new reality is the bitter aftertaste left from a jarring election campaign that seemed focused on anger and resentment in all quarters. But whether you are cheering or jeering the results of November’s national elections, the now indisputable fact of one party’s control of the levers of power in Washington should mean — for at least the next two years — a somewhat better fit of policy goals between the executive and legislative branches of government. The operative word is “somewhat;” the Democratic party’s significant minority in the Senate is large enough to stop actions they deem unacceptable. The majority will no doubt need to call upon their negotiation tools even with a Republican in the White House.
There are at least reasonably clear signals that the new administration is focused on a pro-American business, pro-American jobs agenda, with a decidedly reduced emphasis on federal regulation of the private sector. Coupled with the new team’s bright spotlight on a trillion-dollar infrastructure vision, freight transportation providers and users alike should begin the new year in good spirits. After all, the freight community has long sought a less intrusive, more supportive posture in Washington. The details that have yet to emerge will quite likely be either the flashpoint or the deal clincher. At top dead center will be the plans for financing such a bold plan. “Tax reform” is easy to say, but much harder to accomplish; the last time it happened was 30 years ago.
Promoting fair competition in transportation remains an essential ingredient for all new initiatives. We are confident the new administration agrees and look forward to working with officials to achieve that goal.