A letter authored by Rep. Reid Ribble (R-Wis.), Rep. Tom Reed (R-N.Y.), Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.) and Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-N.J.), and signed by nearly 300 members of the House of Representatives shows widespread support for fixing the Highway Trust Fund and quick action on a long-term surface transportation bill, the Transportation Construction Coalition (TCC) said.
The congressional letter reads in part: “We are united in our conviction that now is the time to end the cycle of short-term extensions that kick the can down the road by doing the work needed to pass a multi-year surface transportation reauthorization bill. To make this happen, we support efforts to develop a long-term sustainable revenue source for our nation’s transportation network as soon as possible.”
In response to the letter’s release, Steve Sandherr, TCC co-chair and chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America, said:
“At a time when Congress can’t seem to agree on much, the fact so many members of Congress back passage of a highway and transit bill shows how important this measure is for Democrats and Republicans alike. While getting the details, particularly the finances, of any such legislation right will not be easy, the fact is there is a broad consensus within the Congress that this measure most be a top priority. Over the coming weeks, we will work aggressively to urge the Congressional leadership to push for swift action, and passage of a new, fully-funded, long-term surface transportation bill.”
Pete Ruane, TCC co-chair and president of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), noted:
“The letter makes clear at least three things. First, there is underlying consensus among Republicans and Democrats about the proper role of the federal government in tackling national transportation infrastructure investment challenges. Second, more short-term budget gimmicks, and the cycle of uncertainty and dysfunction plaguing the Highway Trust Fund since 2008 must come to end. Third, there is overwhelming bipartisan support for legislative action that provides a sustainable revenue source for the nation’s transportation network.”
