There was at least one thing in President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address that both Congressman Jack Bergman and Sen. Gary Peters cdould agree on — the need to pass legislation that would help bolster the country’s crumbling infrastructure.

Shortly after Trump’s speech Bergman and Peters shared their thoughts and added insight to some of the accomplishments he has made in his first year and goals for his second year in office.

Bergman said there were several things that impressed him about the Trump’s speech. He said it was one he hoped would bring people closer together and prompt Congress to work together to get laws passed.

“The speech was focused, prioritized and meant for all people urging them to come together, which is what we need,” Bergman said. “I think the key is how he prioritized things by what he has heard from the people across the country and not just from a few.”

Peters said he wishes Trump would have provided more specifics to some of his plans, especially infrastructure. He said the president wants to see $1.5 trillion into new roads, bridges, airports and rail systems, but that a good amount of that would need to come from state and local governments, many of which are still rebounding from the Great Recession.

“Fixing our infrastructure is incredibly important and I have been pushing to expand broadband, which is a project of mine,” Peters said. “There wasn’t a lot of detail, but it seems that municipalities that are strapped for cash may not get federal funding if they can’t get the match. He also wants to see public/private partnerships, which means road tolls and I am not in support of road tolls.”

Peters and Bergman said they think both Republicans and Democrats can meet in the middle and possibly get an infrastructure bill to Trump’s desk. Bergman said although the media portrays that the two parties don’t work together, he said that isn’t always the case.

“There are always a lot of people working behind the scenes to get things done, but the people don’t get to see that,” Bergman said. “It is time for the leadership to stand up and continue to work in a bi-partisan way so we can continue to get things done.”

Peters agreed and said he believes an infrastructure bill can be approved, depending on where the funding comes from. He said there are a lot of needs in Michigan in terms of infrastructure, including the Soo Locks.

As expected Trump reiterated his desire to reform immigration and to secure the U.S./Mexico boarder. He proposed providing a path to citizenship for 1.8 million illegal immigrants, many whom are covered by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. In return Trump wants funding for a wall, as well as an end to chain immigration and changes to the visa lottery system.

Peters said Trump’s change in stance for DACA kids is welcome and willing to work to get a deal done.

“It does look like we are closer to a DACA solution and the path to citizenship from the president is good,” Peters said. “I’m also for securing our boarders, so there are some things we can work together on.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached via email at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689. Follow Steve on Twitter ss_alpenanews.