U.S. Chamber Supports President’s Call for Extending Surface Transportation Bill

‘Paychecks Disappear When Authorizations Lapse,’ Chavern Says

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Chamber of Commerce Chief Operating Officer David Chavern, issued the following statement today following President Obama’s call for an extension of the surface transportation and aviation laws:

“The Chamber commends President Obama for focusing on the urgent need to extend the current federal transportation laws and resources, thereby creating time for Congress to pass key surface transportation and aviation legislation.

“We also appreciate his willingness to expedite the permitting and decision-making process for high-priority transportation projects that have already been funded. We urge this policy to be extended to all projects.
“If the July experience with the FAA bill taught us one thing it is that paychecks disappear when authorizations lapse. When times are tight, even a day without pay makes a difference.

“Once Congress passes clean extensions, they must move to job-creating legislation. After four years and 21 extensions, it’s past time to finish the FAA bill. SAFETEA-LU legislation must both reform surface transportation policy and programs and provides the necessary resources to supplement user fee revenues to the Highway Trust Fund and maintain investment in highways, public transportation, and safety.”

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.