Trump Reverses Biden’s Infrastructure Policies

TL/DR –

President Donald Trump’s administration rescinded 19 executive orders made by former president Joe Biden, including three tied to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act. The revoked orders include a rule that raised the minimum wage on federal contracts to $15 per hour, a rule to expand registered apprenticeship programs for federal agencies, and another promoting labour standards on federal projects. Notably, the revocation puts Wisconsin’s infrastructure projects in uncertainty, as the state was set to receive billions of dollars for highway, bridge, and rail projects, including the $1.8 billion Blatnik Bridge replacement.

Trump Administration Rescinds 19 Biden Executive Orders Including Infrastructure Rules

President Donald Trump’s administration has been systematically abolishing regulations from the previous administration, including infrastructure investment rules for Wisconsin. On March 14, Trump rescinded 19 executive orders passed by former President Joe Biden, including those related to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and Inflation Reduction Act.

Policy Changes Impact Federal Wages and Apprenticeships

Among the overturned orders, arule raising the minimum wage to $15 for federal contracts was included. Also abolished were rules that expanded registered apprenticeship programs and promoted labor standards on federal projects. These changes, Trump’s administration claims, are necessary to end wasteful regulations and prioritize American citizens’ interests.

Response from Industry and Political Figures

The Associated Builders and Contractors of America, a non-union organization, applauded these changes, with Vice President Ben Brubeck expressing satisfaction over the revocation of pro-union orders. On the contrary, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin said she would resist attempts to halt projects under the infrastructure and inflation reduction laws.

Wisconsin’s Infrastructure Plans

Wisconsin, having already secured billions to fund infrastructure projects, now faces potential funding uncertainty. The state was set to receive $2.35 billion for highway, bridge, and rail projects, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Wisconsin Federal Discretionary Grant Awards Dashboard. Key projects include the $1.8 billion Blatnik Bridge replacement and the $146.9 million Wisconsin River Bridge project.

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