Long-Term, Sustainable Highway Trust Fund Solution Needed |
|---|
|
Congressman Randy Hultgren
February 25, 2015
Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) has joined nearly 300 of his colleagues in urging Speaker John Boehner, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and the House to find a multi-year surface transportation solution which includes a long-term, sustainable funding stream for the Highway Trust Fund to provide certainty for the economy. The current extension of the Highway Trust Fund is set to expire at the end of May.
Excerpts of the letter follow:
“Republicans and Democrats in the House of Representatives have consistently recognized the importance of a well-functioning and efficient surface transportation network in the United States. We know that our country needs robust transportation infrastructure to compete in the global economy and that without such a network, the United States will be less able to realize future economic growth.
“…we are more troubled by the significant uncertainty that has plagued federal highway and transit policy in recent years. In the last decade, there have been nine short-term extensions of highway and transit programs. This kind of uncertainty impedes economic growth and makes it difficult for our country to fulfill its competitive potential.
“…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. Otherwise, we will not be able to enact a transportation bill that truly meets our country’s economic and infrastructure needs.”