(Source: International Brotherhood of Teamsters press release, May 23, 2015)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On May 23, the Senate followed the House, and approved a two-month extension of the Highway Trust Fund, yet again choosing to delay finding a long-term solution on how to fund the repair and maintenance of our aging infrastructure.
This marks the thirty-third short-term funding measure passed by Congress in six years and the third in the last year alone. Since 2008, Congress has transferred nearly $62 billion from the general fund to keep the Highway Trust Fund afloat and it has been more than a decade since Congress has passed a highway bill that lasted longer than two years.
“The condition of our roads and bridges continues to deteriorate while Congress fails to move forward on investing in our infrastructure,” said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. “Our highways, airports, railways and ports must not be allowed to fall further into disrepair.”
Across the country, states are delaying major transportation projects due to the uncertainty surrounding federal funding and this latest stopgap measure will not change that trend.
“Congress must overcome its endless gridlock and pass a highway bill that provides long-term funding,” Hoffa said. “A long-term funding solution will generate new infrastructure projects that put people to work, earning good middle-class wages as they build, repair and maintain America.”
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.
Tuesday, May 26, 2015