Equipment Makers See 2-Month Highway-Fund Extension as Step 1 in Long-Term Solution

'Equipment manufacturers supported this extension because it keeps the chronic problems plaguing the Highway Trust Fund at front of mind for lawmakers for the next 10 weeks'

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Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) President Dennis Slater had this to say after U.S. House of Representatives passage of a two-month extension of the Highway Trust Fund:

"I want to congratulate the House on extending the Highway Trust Fund for two more months, and I hope the Senate follows suit later this week. Equipment manufacturers supported this extension because it keeps the chronic problems plaguing the Highway Trust Fund at front of mind for lawmakers for the next 10 weeks.

"We heard a lot from lawmakers today about their support for a long-term highway bill. But actions speak louder than words. If Congress wants to demonstrate its commitment to a sustainable solution for the Highway Trust Fund, the House Ways and Means Committee and Senate Finance Committee could start by hosting hearings on the topic of highway financing. Even better would be for leaders in Congress and the Obama administration to produce new, innovative proposals on how they would fund a long-term bill.

"AEM members continue to support raising the gas tax because it is the most straightforward way to make the Highway Trust Fund solvent while upholding the user fee principle," Slater concluded. "If members of Congress believe the gas tax is not politically viable, then it is incumbent upon them to produce an alternative. We look forward to seeing those proposals soon." 

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