Rep. Bonamici Statement in Response to Highway Trust Fund Legislation

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-1) released the following statement after the House passed a temporary extension of the Highway Trust Fund.

“We need a long-term solution to the insolvency of the Highway Trust Fund. I voted to support today’s short-term legislation because it protects funding for current construction projects and current jobs, but more comprehensive, substantive action is needed to ensure that projects in 2015 and beyond are not in jeopardy. Construction projects serve as a strong form of economic stimulus in Oregon and across the country. Passing an 8-month temporary fix to the Highway Trust Fund creates uncertainty among states, local governments, and contractors, who all may be less likely to take on new projects and in turn less likely to hire workers.”

“With an economy still working to regain its full strength, continuing to pass short-term fixes is an economic risk we cannot afford to take. Millions of people rely on our roads, bridges, and ground transportation to get to work and transport goods. Businesses in Oregon increasingly raise concerns about the ability of our freight infrastructure to support the high volume of goods they are transporting to market. This legislation represents the bare minimum we can do. Our constituents deserve a more comprehensive, long-term solution so that our infrastructure can support a growing and thriving economy.”