WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03), alongside U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13), and Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI-08), introduced a bill to prohibit the Trump Administration from interfering in the opening and operation of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
“Canada and the United States have shared a strong, trusted partnership for centuries, and in Michigan, that relationship matters every single day. Canada is our state’s largest trading partner, and projects like the Gordie Howe International Bridge represent what’s possible when we work together across borders to prioritize jobs, commerce, and cooperation,” said Rep. Scholten. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Michigan-Canada Partnership Act to block the Trump Administration from interfering with the opening of this critical bridge.”
Construction of the bridge—which connects Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario—has enjoyed years of bipartisan support and is set to open this year. In 2012, the state of Michigan entered into a bilateral agreement with Canada to advance construction of the bridge without direct cost to Michigan taxpayers. The agreement was executed under Michigan Republican Governor Rick Snyder and in cooperation with Democratic President Barack Obama, demonstrating the project’s nonpartisan importance to American workers, manufacturers, and national competitiveness.
“Donald Trump won Michigan, and now he’s turning his back on the working people who put him in office,” said Rep. Dingell. “Instead of fighting for Michigan workers and our economy, he’s protecting his billionaire donors. In 2017, Trump himself endorsed the bridge, calling it a ‘vital economic link between our two countries.’ Nothing has changed. Canada is our friend, our neighbor, and one of our strongest allies. The Gordie Howe Bridge means jobs and livelihoods for Michigan families. This bill simply prevents federal interference in its opening and operation, and I’m proud to lead this effort alongside the entire Michigan House Democratic delegation. It’s shameful that the President continues to put personal interests ahead of American workers. I won’t accept it and I’ll always stand up for Michigan.”
“Donald Trump is unsurprisingly putting good-paying Michigan jobs and billions of dollars in economic growth at risk by threatening to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge,” said Rep. Stevens. “I know the importance of Michigan manufacturing and that’s why I’m demanding Trump drop this reckless threat, let the bridge open, and stop playing games with our jobs and our economy.”
“The Gordie Howe International Bridge is the product of years of cross-border work, investment, and cooperation and is ready to open this spring. It’s no surprise that Matthew Moroun, owner of the dangerously obsolete Ambassador Bridge, met with the Trump Administration mere hours before the president absurdly threatened to block this safer, more efficient bridge from opening. Michiganders and the American people will not be denied this crucial new crossing by the White House’s blatant corruption,” said Rep. Tlaib.
“Trump’s threat to block the Gordie Howe International Bridge is a spit in the face to Detroiters who have been patiently awaiting its opening. Thanks to the incredible diplomacy of President Obama, Canada paid the entire cost of the bridge, all while supporting American workers by hiring them to work on its construction and using American steel to build it. We were getting a bridge at no cost to us, but Trump is recklessly threatening to throw all of that away for no other reason than to inflict pain on Michiganders and Canadians alike. This awful decision would kill jobs, stifle transportation, and increase costs in Michigan,” said Rep. Thanedar.
“The Gordie Howe Bridge has been a bipartisan priority because it supports jobs, makes transport easier, and will lower costs. At the last minute, the President wants to derail this hugely important project because a billionaire campaign donor told him to,” said Rep. McDonald Rivet. “This kind of blatant corruption hurts working families, and needs to end. For the sake of Michigan’s economy, let’s pass this bill.”
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