Donald Trump racks up another primary win against Nikki Haley. Where do each of these candidates stand on our issues?
Why it matters: It is important for ACEC members to stay updated about the candidate’s positions on issues important to our industry, especially on the topics of immigration, innovation, and infrastructure. Here's how the candidates stand based on past public statements.
Immigration:
The big picture: Trump focuses on securing the border, while Haley aims to appear tough on immigration without alienating moderates.
In Donald Trump, we have a wealth of policy pronouncements from which to draw.
Securing the southern border (the Trump wall) was a cornerstone of his previous bids for the White House, and he has not backed away from the issue.
A second Trump term would most likely bring increased restrictions on H1-B visas for highly skilled workers through what he calls a "merit-based immigration system that protects American labor and promotes American values."
Haley supports bringing skilled workers to the U.S. based on merit.
Innovation:
Why it matters: The discussion on emerging technologies is important for the future of the country.
Trump established the American AI Initiative in 2019, emphasizing the importance of AI for economic and national security.
Haley's position on anonymous posting and national security could impact the TikTok ban if she becomes president.
The bottom line: The candidates' views on emerging technologies have implications for the country's future.
Infrastructure:
In a September speech in which she unveiled her economic plan, Haley took aim at what she called "reckless federal spending" and proposed an end to the federal gas and diesel tax.
After the November 2021 passage of IIJA, Trump criticized the 13 Republicans who brought the legislation over the top.
The big picture: In politics, as in life, what one says matters far less than what one does. There are always limits to how much stock should be placed in campaign promises and stump speeches, which are often carefully calibrated to particular audiences.
That said, we can make inferences based on public record and public statements and get a pretty clear picture of what a candidate might do in office.
We at ACEC are committed to keeping you informed and arming you with facts about important policy matters stripped of spin and soundbites.
Our job is to help cut through the clutter of rhetoric to find that most elusive commodity of any campaign: the truth.
Linda Bauer Darr
President & CEO
American Council of Engineering Companies | ACEC
Check out ACEC's Engineering Influence Podcast
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