Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Ill.

This week’s Open Mic guest is Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Ill. As a member of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, the subject of funding President Joe Biden’s infrastructure package was before members last week. The Illinois 18thDistrict Representative says the nation’s roads, bridges, railways and inland waterways desperately need an influx of federal dollars, but not from increased taxes. LaHood believes Washington should play a role in developing climate-based revenue opportunities for farmers but doesn’t support heavy-handed mandates to accomplish environmental goals. LaHood favors reform of the WTO and a return to the CPTPP to expand exports.