Lawmakers grapple with how to build from Trump's 'infrastructure week'

After President Trump's "infrastructure week" was widely mocked among media members, some politicians, lawmakers and advocates who are serious about wanting to see the nation's roads and bridges improved are grappling with how to move forward.

Republicans who share Trump's desire to spend on infrastructure welcomed Trump's weeklong focus on the issue, and interpreted his spare-in-detail early ideas as a starting point in negotiations.

"Usually, politicians say things just to get elected and hope no one remembers it," said Rep. Lou Barletta, R-Pa., a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, in an interview with the Washington Examiner.

"Trump is different," added Barletta, who was an early supporter of the candidate for president. "Not only is he talking about it, he is saying now is the time to fix our nation's infrastructure. He won't take his foot off the pedal on this. It's more than just talk. He wants this done."

But many Democrats viewed Trump's early efforts as unserious, and were discouraged by the president's ideas, which they said catered to Republican interests. Trump's message was also overshadowed by former FBI Director James Comey's testimony on Capitol Hill.