FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact:

Kristina Baum (EPW) – 202.224.6176

Donelle Harder (EPW) – 202.224.4721

Inhofe: America Cannot Afford Another Short-Term Highway Extension 

WASHINGTON — Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), chairman of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, today released the following statement urging the U.S. House of Representatives to continue moving forward on a six-year highway reauthorization bill while in the midst of leadership changes: 

"In the midst of leadership changes in the House, America cannot afford for transportation to go by the way side. I was encouraged to hear Rep. Kevin McCarthy say to media that he wants to pass a six-year highway bill if he assumes the role as Speaker, however this issue cannot be shelved until these leadership positions are likely solidified in November.  The current program is slated to shut down on Oct. 29. I fear that the prospect of Congress securing a six-year reauthorization bill becomes dimmer if we are forced to consider a 35th short-term extension.  If the House is serious about addressing highways, I urge the appropriate committees to take public action to advance the policy and funding aspects of this legislation. The next four weeks provides ample time to get this accomplished so that the Highway Trust Fund does not have to hit a dangerous low during the holidays. A failure to deliver a solution will only make it more expensive and challenging for states and industry to plan for next year’s projects. If we wait until the end of the year, Congress will jeopardize resources that the Senate has set aside to pay for the highway bill, and our nation will lose another construction season, in turn wasting taxpayer dollars and postponing big, economy-boosting projects.” 

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