U.S. Chamber CEO Commends House Leaders for SAFETEA-LU Proposal

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue today applauded House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Jim Oberstar, Ranking Member John Mica, and the chairman and ranking members of the highway and transit subcommittee Peter DeFazio and John Duncan Jr. for presenting their bipartisan proposal to reauthorize SAFETEA-LU before it expires on September 30, 2009.

"The deterioration of the nation's transportation system jeopardizes our safety, undermines the economy, and harms the environment. It is time to plan and invest in America's highways and public transportation systems.

"The Chamber is pleased that the committee leaders have taken the first serious step toward reauthorizing SAFETEA-LU. This proposal will bring focus on the critical issues surrounding highway and transit policy and investment.

"The themes of reform and responsibility are evident in the outline, and both will be necessary for the nation to rebuild the platform that American businesses need to thrive.

"The bottom line is that our prosperity depends on the ability of American businesses to produce and sell to the world's population. Today more than ever improvements to transportation systems must focus on supporting free enterprise and that means moving goods and people on an efficient transportation system.

"We look forward to reviewing specific legislative language and call upon Congress to make passage of reauthorization legislation containing reforms, responsibility and resources a top priority."

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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