The Transportation Construction Coalition launched a new radio advertising campaign Aug. 25 aimed at members of the House of Representatives about the importance of fixing the Highway Trust Fund and passing a multi-year highway and public transit investment bill. The 30-second radio spot will run this week and next on the hometown radio stations of 16 key members of the House Ways & Means Committee and House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.
With the fund being the source, on average, of 52 percent of highway and bridge capital investments made annually by state transportation departments, the ads highlight the importance of the program to the states.
The ad (link to the audio file) aimed at Rep. Paul Ryan (Wis.) for example, says:
“About 55% of Wisconsin’s annual capital investment in highways and bridges depends on federal funding. But Congress has not yet passed a long-term highway bill. That puts our funding at risk and hurts our state’s ability to plan mobility and safety improvements. Tell Congressman Paul Ryan it’s time for the House of Representatives to get a long-term highway bill passed NOW! Wisconsin depends on it.”
The ad will also run in the districts of these members:
- Rep. Rick Crawford (Ark.)
- Rep. Devin Nunes (Calif.)
- Rep. Lynn Jenkins (Kan.)
- Rep. Thomas Massie (Ky.)
- Rep. Garret Graves (La.)
- Rep. Jason Smith (Mo.)
- Rep. Adrian Smith (Neb.)
- Rep. Mark Meadows (N.C.)
- Rep. George Holding (N.C.)
- Rep. David Rouzer (N.C.)
- Rep. Kristi Noem (S.D.)
- Rep. Diane Black (Tenn.)
- Rep. Blake Farenthold (Texas)
- Rep. Kevin Brady (Texas)
- Rep. Mark Sanford (S.C.)
Coalition officials noted that the radio ads are just the latest in a series of advertisements the group has secured to pressure Congress into action. The group ran television, radio and digital ads back in June to keep the pressure on Congress to act. Coalition officials say they will continue with advertising and grassroots outreach until the House of Representatives passes a multi-year surface transportation bill. The Senate passed its version of the bill, the DRIVE Act, on July 31 by a vote of 65-34.
