DeLauro Statement In Support Of Highway Reauthorization

Statement

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) released the following statement today in support of legislation before the House of Representatives that would reauthorize our surface transportation programs as well as the Export-Import Bank:

"This bill, while not perfect, finally stops our pattern of lurching from deadline to deadline and crisis to crisis. Highway, bridge, transportation safety and public transit projects in Connecticut and across the country will be reauthorized for six years, giving our towns, cities and states the certainty necessary to put together long-term plans to build the 21st century infrastructure America needs.

"But we still need bigger investments to improve our transportation infrastructure. Once adjusted for inflation, this bill will maintain funding at current levels, which are insufficient to address our needs and do not go far enough to support jobs or spur long-term economic growth. As we continue with the process of negotiating a final bill, I will keep fighting for the numerous smart, strong investments our nation needs.

"The legislation also reauthorizes the Export-Import Bank, something I have been calling for to support Connecticut businesses. Keeping the bank open is not an abstract, dry policy debate or academic argument. Since the Bank's charter expired in June, American companies have been forced to reevaluate whether they want to do business within our borders. No less than Connecticut's own GE moved 500 American jobs to Europe and shuttered a domestic gas engine plant, irreversibly moving operations to Canada. Reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank will make clear to the rest of the world that America is open for business."

DeLauro is a long-time supporter of creative ways to improve America's infrastructure and is the author of the National Infrastructure Development Bank Act, which would create and fund a public bank to leverage public and private dollars for meritorious infrastructure projects.

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