AED Chairman to Congress: Give Us A Highway Bill Now

On May 25, AED’s 2011 Chairman Dennis Kruepke took to Capitol Hill to stress the importance of a robust, multiyear highway bill to support the construction equipment industry’s economic recovery.

Kruepke’s day began by participating in an infrastructure roundtable discussion with the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee. Sixteen senators attended, including Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Majority Whip Richard Durbin (D-IL), and Environment & Public Works Chair Barbara Boxer (D-CA). In addition to Kruepke, participants included former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell and other infrastructure stakeholders.

Following the discussion, Kruepke headed to the Rally for Roads on the National Mall. Held in front of the U.S. Capitol building, the rally featured hundreds of construction industry workers from mid-Atlantic states who turned out to urge Congress to make a new highway bill a top-priority.

In his remarks to rally attendees, Kruepke highlighted the benefits of a new highway bill and urged immediate congressional action. “We need a road bill that builds a solid foundation for America’s future economic leadership. And we need it now,” Kruepke said. To watch Kruepke’s speech, click here.

Held in conjunction with the Transportation Construction Coalition’s (TCC) 2011 Washington Fly-In, the Rally for Roads brought together construction industry leaders, union members, and pro-infrastructure lawmakers. Speakers from Capitol Hill included House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Nick Rahall (D-WV), House Highways & Transit Subcommittee Chairman John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-TN), Senate Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee Ranking Member David Vitter (R-LA), House Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Tom Petri (R-WI), and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), a member of the Senate Finance Committee. The rally was organized the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association and the National Ready-Mixed Concrete Association and co-sponsored by AED.

AED members Alban CAT and James River Equipment provided construction equipment to help set a dramatic backdrop for the rally.