U.S. President Barack Obama presented a nearly $4 trillion budget proposal on Monday. The package included a strong commitment to building the nation’s infrastructure and improving early childhood and higher education. The proposals are likely to face heavy resistance from Republicans who are now in control of the entire U.S. Congress, which is responsible for writing and authorizing the budget. CCTV’s Daniel Ryntjes reported this story from Washington.

Obama budget proposes $4 trillion to improve infrastructure, education

U.S. President Barack Obama presented a nearly $4 trillion budget proposal on Monday. The package included a strong commitment to building the nation's infrastructure and improving early childhood and higher education. The proposals are likely to face heavy resistance from Republicans who are now in control of the entire U.S. Congress, which is responsible for writing and authorizing the budget. CCTV’s Daniel Ryntjes reported this story from Washington.

Some political analysts regarded this heavy book full of numbers, the U.S. president’s 2016 budget blueprint, as merely a political or aspirational document and therefore as light as air.

But White House budget officials said it’s heavy with substance – including $280 billion for infrastructure.

“The president goes very big on infrastructure in the budget to repair roads bridges, freight, and our rail systems. It’s a long-term plan, so it’s six years,” Jeff Zients, director of the National Economic Council said.

The White House wanted to oblige U.S. corporations working abroad to repatriate their income – amounting to $2 trillion — and levy a one-time, 14 percent tax on overseas profits.

Republicans appeared ready to accept this proposal if it’s part of a comprehensive overhaul of corporate taxes in the U.S., which are among the highest in the world.

“We fully intend on the Ways and Means Committee of showing what full, comprehensive tax reform for everybody, individuals and families alike, looks like,” Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said.

However Republicans opposed increasing taxes on the investments and inheritances of wealthy Americans to pay for early childhood education, additional family tax credits, and community college education.

While the White House budget would pile on almost $6 trillion in additional debt over the next ten years, as a percentage of the U.S. gross domestic product, the debt level would be slightly reduced.

While Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said he rejects spending that raises debt levels, Republicans seem ready to support more than $100 million in what’s called “trade adjustment assistance” that would help U.S. workers who lost their jobs due to international trade deals.

Steve Pruitt of Watts Partners discusses Obama’s latest budget

CCTV America interviewed Steve Pruitt, senior partner at the Watts Partners, about the president’s budget proposal.

Steve Pruitt of Watts Partners discusses Obama’s latest budget

CCTV America interviewed Steve Pruitt, senior partner at the Watts Partners, about the president's budget proposal.