Contact: Matt Dempsey 202-224-9797 matthew_dempsey@epw.senate.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 10, 2005

INHOFE HAILS THE PRESIDENT’S SIGNING OF THE HIGHWAY BILL

Aurora, Ill. – Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, today hailed the President’s signing of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act – A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), calling the legislation a “great economic victory” for the country.

“I was proud to stand with the President today as he signed this historic legislation,” Senator Inhofe said. “It will provide badly-needed funding to improve and repair our bridges, roads and mass transit systems. SAFETEA-LU will help ensure that we have a safe, modern national transportation infrastructure, and that is essential for maintaining our strong economic growth.

“As I’ve said before, this is also a jobs bill that will create employment opportunities for millions of Americans. The Department of Transportation estimates that every $1 billion of federal money invested in highway improvements creates more than 47,500 jobs.

“While it’s a legislative win for the Congress and the Administration, it is, most importantly, a great economic victory for Oklahomans and every American.”

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