Should the Federal Gas Tax be Extended? Yes

Congressman Hank Johnson, D-Ga., says funding infrastructure is critical to grow our economy, create jobs.

By Congressman Hank Johnson, D-Ga.

Even as our infrastructure continues to crumble and unemployment remains above nine percent, stubborn obstructionism on the part of congressional Republicans has prevented us from addressing our infrastructure and jobs crises.

Our problems are entirely solvable. In fact, these challenges have a common solution: Put Americans back to work rebuilding our bridges, roads, railroads, airports and energy infrastructure. It's common sense, not rocket science.

Astonishingly, the same crowd that brought America to the brink of financial default for no good reason earlier this summer wants to keep playing politics with the economy - this time jeopardizing our nation’s critical infrastructure.

Some Republicans in Congress are threatening to hold hostage our highway bill, which funds infrastructure investment with an 18.4 cent-per-gallon gas tax.

Unless Congress renews the highway bill by Sept. 30, a million workers will be in danger of losing their jobs over the next year.

Read the entire article at AJC.com.

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