I agree with you, but this isn’t going to happen. The Federal contribution to the Trump infrastructure plan is only $200 billion out of $1.5 trillion. There should be plenty of revenue to cover that $200 billion out of fuel taxes at the current level.
This is President Trump. Propose high tax, dims say no to tax. Trump comes back later when dims propose a tax and reminds everyone dims did not want a tax. Plus maybe he wants a small tax increase and by stating big he sets the tone for negotiation. Read WIN BIGLY by Scott Adams.