U.S. Chamber Launches Radio Ads

WASHINGTON, D.C. –The United States Chamber of Commerce led coalition-Americans for Transportation Mobility-will run radio ads in key target regions urging Congress to promptly act on much needed funding for America's highway and public transportation systems, known as TEA-21 reauthorization.

"It's time for Congress to do its job… to finally make the long-term commitment to maximum funding for America's highway and transit systems. It's time to get America moving again," says the radio ad.

For over 18 months Congress has been unable to enact legislation that sets a long-term blueprint for highway and public transportation investment nationwide. A major increase in road and bridge investment is needed to accommodate the growing demands on the nation's surface transportation system. Congestion, especially in urban regions, is weakening America's ability to compete globally, since the vast bulk of good and products shipped in the United States are transported on its highways.

"The cost of inaction is more congestion, increased costs in wasted fuel, and an inability to move forward on many safety-related projects critical to communities around the country," said Ed Mortimer, Chamber director of transportation policy and executive director of Americans for Transportation Mobility.

The radio ads will air in Texas, Tennessee, Illinois, Iowa and Pennsylvania.

The Chamber chairs Americans for Transportation Mobility, a coalition of more than 300 national, state, and local organizations working to build a safer and more efficient transportation system. The ATM coalition was formed in 2001 to promote the importance of transportation investment to economic growth, mobility, and safety. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, representing more that three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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Editors Note: A copy of the Chamber's "Time for Congress to Do its Job" ad is available online.
http://www.a-t-m.org/portal/atm/grassroots/default