Chamber Applauds Senate Passage of Transportation Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce welcomed today's Senate passage of H.R. 3, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century reauthorization bill, noting it increases investments in highways and public transportation.

"Senate passage of this bill paves the way for America's economy to keep rolling," said Bruce Josten, Chamber executive vice president. "Once signed into law, this bill will provide an immediate boost to the economy, ensure the nation's transportation demands are met and create jobs for American workers."

After passage of several extensions, the latest set to expire at the end of the month, today's Senate action moves a comprehensive bill closer to final completion. The Chamber is urging both houses of Congress to move quickly to appoint conferees so a bill can be sent to the president for his signature.

The Chamber also pointed out that as more people and freight utilize the nation's transportation system, increasing infrastructure investments is critical to ensuring future economic growth, international competitiveness, national security and improving the quality of life for America's traveling public.

"The reauthorization of TEA-21 provides much needed investment to relieve congestion and improve safety on our nation's roads and highways," Josten said. "The Chamber is committed to working with Congress and the administration to ensure a final bill that is timely and provides adequate funding to meet growing transportation needs."

The Chamber applauded a bipartisan effort by Senate Finance Chairman Charles (R-IA) Grassley and ranking member Max Baucus (D-MT) to fund an additional $11.2 billion in transportation investments.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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