Torres on Latest Short-Term Transportation Extension
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) issued the following statement in response to the passage of a two month extension of the Highway Trust Fund:
While I voted for this latest extension, it falls far short of meeting our country's transportation and infrastructure needs. Our communities don't need another rushed two month extension. States and localities need the certainty and ability to plan for the future that is only possible with a long-term transportation bill.
Long-term investment in infrastructure was a key component of my jobs plan, because it is the foundation of economic growth. Every time we kick the can down the road, our freeways become more congested, our bridges become less safe, our rail systems become more outdated, and our economy becomes less competitive. As the backlog of infrastructure projects continues to grow, Congress must not only support long-term federal funding but also look for innovative ways to finance public infrastructure projects.
I hope my colleagues will use these next two months to sit down and work to craft a truly bipartisan, forward-thinking, and comprehensive transportation bill that will meet our nation's infrastructure needs for years to come.
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