Congressional Leaders Give Transport Bill High Priority

Congressional leaders are moving a new six-year surface transportation bill higher on their priority lists after President Obama’s call for infrastructure investment in his State of the Union address Tuesday night.

On Wednesday, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee devoted its first hearing of the 112th Congress to transportation infrastructure and the prospects of legislation that will provide long-term funding for surface transportation.

Chairman Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., said she welcomed the president’s commitment and looked forward to working with the House and White house “on drafting a bill that will create jobs, accelerate economic recovery, and build the foundation for long-term prosperity.” She said a new multi-year authorization bill should be passed this year.

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“The challenges of getting a highway bill completed this Congress are significant, but I hope we are going to overcome these challenges,” said Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., the committee’s ranking member. “Many of my colleagues do not view infrastructure funding as one of our primary federal responsibilities. Yet there is an undeniable link between a robust economy and strong transportation network.”

Inhofe warned that revenue from the Highway Trust Fund can support no greater level of spending than it does now.

“Congress must be very bold in crafting a highway bill that balances the funding realities with the tremendous needs of our infrastructure, which is the backbone of our economy,” Inhofe said. “We have avoided this conversation for several years now, but if we fail to act, the consequences will be severe.”

Wayne Johnson, manager of carrier relations for Owens Corning in Toledo, Ohio, told the committee that by not improving infrastructure, “we are imposing we are imposing additional cost burdens on American industry and the American economy. These are costs which we cannot recoup by working harder or smarter.”