U.S. Chamber Testimony Urges Congress to Make SAFETEA-LU Reauthorization Top Priority

'America's Transportation Infrastructure Cannot Fall Victim to the Practice of Doing What Is Easy Over Doing What Is Right,' Kavinoky Says

WASHINGTON, D.C.—In testimony before the House of Representatives today, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Director of Transportation Infrastructure Janet Kavinoky called on Congress to prepare for an on-time reauthorization of SAFETEA-LU and urged members to develop a funding mechanism before our surface transportation programs expire on September 30.

"Infrastructure is unlike other problems or programs where you can wait until the very last minute and then write a big check," said Janet Kavinoky in testimony before the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures. "America's transportation infrastructure cannot fall victim to the practice of doing what is easy over doing what is right.

"The nation's infrastructure has allowed U.S. industries to take a leading role in the global economy, providing products and services worldwide. Transportation has been the foundation of this success, but it is now becoming our Achilles heel.

"The Chamber believes critical reforms need to be made to these national programs that result in a more focused, strategic federal investment that cuts wasteful spending, leverages private investment, and requires accountability. In return, Congress should provide increased revenue to address national needs. There is no free lunch, no 'creative option' that will fill the gaping hole that has emerged at the federal level.

"The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee authorization bill is a good start. Chairmen James Oberstar and Peter DeFazio, and Ranking Members John Mica and Jimmy Duncan clearly grasp that business as usual will not deliver the kind of transportation system this nation needs to grow and thrive. They have taken a good first step toward reformulating transportation policy and programs for a 21st century economy.

"If done right, highway and public transportation reauthorization can help drive economic recovery and competitiveness while improving the environment and addressing critical safety needs. The decisions about funding and financing will not be easy, but that does not mean they should be avoided."

Kavinoky's complete testimony is available at: http://www.uschamber.com/issues/testimony/2009/090723_safetea.htm.

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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