Congressman Dan Kildee: Funding for Highway Trust Fund Critical to Repairing Nation's Crumbling Roads and Bridges

Press Release

Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives urging House Republican leadership to immediately bring up a Highway and Transit Trust Fund bill to fund critical infrastructure construction projects before it expires at the end of the month.

The Highway Trust Fund collects and distributes money dedicated to federal highway and transit projects. The Fund's current authorization expires on May 31, 2015, and there are only seven legislative days remaining before the deadline is reached.

"Michigan of all states knows that we need to fix our crumbling roads and bridges if we are going to remain competitive as a nation," Congressman Kildee said. "Potholes in roads desperately need to be filled and crumbling bridges need to be repaired. Yet Congress has so far failed to commit the necessary funds to improve our nation's infrastructure. By failing to invest in our roads and bridges, we hurt our country's competitiveness and quality of life. Failing to invest in our infrastructure also threatens good-paying jobs and construction projects across the country."

According to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, 660,000 good-paying construction jobs are hanging in the balance if Congress does not act. Additionally, 6,000 critical construction projects across the country could be delayed or stopped if no solution is reached.

In 2013, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) also published a report card giving America's infrastructure a failing grade.

"Time is running out for Congress to act; I call on Speaker Boehner to immediately bring up a bill in the House to fund the Highway Trust Fund and improve our nation's infrastructure," Congressman Kildee said.

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