Senator Alsobrooks Questions Trump Nominees on University Grants, Infrastructure, and Climate Resilience

University Transportation Center Grants

• 💡 Senator Alsobrooks questioned nominee Mr. McMaster regarding the Department of Transportation's termination of grants for seven university transportation centers, citing a "so-called woke agenda."
• 📌 John Hopkins University, one of the impacted institutions, had already revised its work plans to align with administration priorities, having made significant financial commitments.
• ❓ Alsobrooks asked if McMaster would commit to working with these institutions to reverse the terminations and allow them to fulfill their missions under revised terms.
• ✅ McMaster committed to following up with the Federal Highway Administration and the Secretary to understand the justifications and interests behind the terminations, and to follow up directly with the Senator.

Maryland's Infrastructure and Funding

• 🏗️ Alsobrooks raised concerns about Maryland's aging bridge infrastructure and the importance of the Bridge Investment Program, established under the bipartisan infrastructure law.
• ⚠️ She noted that the Trump administration had previously frozen this program, causing confusion, uncertainty, and project delays.
• 🤝 McMaster committed to carrying out these programs in accordance with the law and the intent of Congress if confirmed.

Climate Resilience and Army Corps Projects

• 🌊 Senator Alsobrooks inquired about Mr. Tel's commitment to working with her office to ensure Maryland's congressionally authorized Army Corps projects focused on sustainability and climate resilience are completed.
• 🔬 Tel stated that the Army Corps of Engineers focuses on data, hydrological trends, and hard information to plan projects for resilience against sea level rise, coastal storms, and flooding.
• 🤝 Tel committed to following congressional intent and working with the Senator on advancing projects important to Maryland.

Time and Money in Projects

• ⏱️ Senator Huststead emphasized that "time is money" and that faster progress leads to cost savings.