U.S. Chamber Applauds House-Senate Transportation Agreement

Calls for Swift Final Passage and the President’s Signature

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Janet Kavinoky, executive director of transportation and infrastructure for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, issued the following statement regarding today’s joint announcement by Senator Barbara Boxer and Congressman John Mica on a path forward for the transportation reauthorization bill:

“The U.S. Chamber congratulates Chairmen Boxer and Mica and House and Senate leadership for moving towards a final agreement on the highway and public transportation reauthorization bill.  

“It is time for Congress to pass a transportation reauthorization bill and send it to the president for his signature.  We are increasingly confident that this agreement will include critical reforms that will greatly improve the business of transportation investment in this country.  The conference committee appears poised to advance policies that will consolidate overlapping and duplicative federal programs; streamline the project delivery process to shorten project times and save limited federal dollars; give states the flexibility to target federal funds where they are most needed; and increase opportunities for private investment.  It is our hope that the Congress will also provide much needed certainty by maintaining funding levels over the next year and a half.

“Legislation to improve this country’s transportation system is long overdue and will help stabilize critical parts of the economy and strengthen our competitive edge.”

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.