Statement

Congressman Mark S. Critz (PA-12) released the following statement today following the House's passage of H.R. 4281 -- Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012 -- a 90-day extension of the current transportation bill:

"At a time when our nation's infrastructure needs couldn't be greater, House Republicans today chose to punt action on a new bipartisan transportation bill that would create jobs and make key investments in our roads, bridges and public transit. Passing continued extension measures, rather than a new transportation bill, creates disruption and uncertainty for the hundreds-of-thousands of transportation and construction jobs across the country. Passing another short-term extension that expires in the middle of construction season, is simply irresponsible."

Last week, Congressman Critz urged swift action to pass the Senate Transportation Bill, calling upon House Republicans to "put politics aside and pass a transportation bill that creates jobs, repairs our roads and bridges and strengthens our economy." Today's vote also means that repeal of the toll-credit language that is necessary to complete U.S. Route 219, is delayed once again.