U.S. Representatives Sponsor Bill to Safeguard Gordie Howe Bridge from Presidential Interference
In a decisive move to counter what they describe as "blatant corruption," several Democratic U.S. Representatives from Michigan have introduced a bill designed to protect the Gordie Howe International Bridge from potential obstruction by former President Donald Trump. The legislation, known as the Michigan-Canada Partnership Act to Protect the Gordie Howe International Bridge Project, aims to prevent any federal interference with the bridge's opening and operation, ensuring that this critical infrastructure project proceeds without disruption.
Trump's Threats Spark Legislative Action
The bill was introduced last week by Representatives Shri Thanedar, Hillary Scholten, Debbie Dingell, Haley Stevens, Rashida Tlaib, and Kristen McDonald Rivet, following Trump's pledge on February 9 to block the bridge's opening. In a Truth Social post filled with inaccuracies, Trump falsely claimed that Canada owns both sides of the bridge and that no American steel or labor was used in its construction. He also demanded that the United States own "at least one half of this asset" and stated he would not allow the bridge to open until the U.S. is "fully compensated."
Representative Thanedar condemned Trump's actions, stating, "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."
Allegations of Corruption and Political Influence
The legislative effort comes amid reports from The New York Times that Trump's post followed a meeting between U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnik and Matthew Moroun, the billionaire private owner of the Ambassador Bridge. The Moroun family, major Republican donors, have a long history of opposing the Gordie Howe Bridge, including spending approximately US$30 million in 2012 on a failed Michigan ballot proposal to block its construction and launching numerous lawsuits.
In response, California Congressman Robert Garcia, a ranking member of the U.S. House Oversight Committee, issued a letter demanding documents detailing the reported meeting and other communications between the Trump White House and the Morouns. A representative of the Ambassador Bridge company has not acknowledged multiple requests for comment from The Windsor Star.
Economic and Bipartisan Support for the Bridge
Representative Rivet emphasized the bridge's importance, noting, "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. This kind of blatant corruption hurts working families, and needs to end. For the sake of Michigan's economy, let's pass this bill."
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, jointly owned by Canada and Michigan, represents a significant investment in cross-border infrastructure. Its construction has utilized American steel and labor, with Canada covering the full cost, making it a symbol of international cooperation. The proposed bill seeks to uphold these efforts by safeguarding the project from political interference, ensuring it can open as planned to benefit both nations.
