U.S. Congressman John Boozman 3rd District of Arkansas

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Infrastructure Spending Proposal Lacks Specifics
Posted by Boozman Press Office on September 09, 2010
On Monday President Obama announced a plan to spend $50 billion in transportation infrastructure and reauthorize the surface transportation programs. "Obama plans to spend $50 billion for transit," The Washington Times, 9/07/10.

The proposal calls for rebuilding 150,000 miles of roads, building and maintaining 4,000 miles of railway and improving airports by fixing and building 150 miles of runways and installing an air navigation system known as NexGen to reduce travel time and delays.

I have been an advocate for transportation and infrastructure funds as a means to create jobs for hardworking Americans while also creating long-term economic prosperity. In anticipation of a Highway Bill, congressional committees held hearings last year, at which time I testified about the importance of I-49. Unfortunately, this investment and other road and infrastructure projects have not been a priority for the Democratic leadership during this Congress.

Now with only four weeks left in the legislative calendar and unemployment rates near 10 percent, President Obama proposes what my colleagues and I called for 18 months ago, transportation and infrastructure spending. However, the president’s plan lacks details as to where the $50 billion to fund his idea comes from or how it would specifically benefit Arkansas.

I’m concerned that under this proposal funding will be diverted from rural areas to urban cities, ignoring the transportation and infrastructure needs of Arkansas. While I am sure cities like Chicago can always use extra funds for their public transit programs, President Obama should consider the positive economic impact of completing major projects like I-49, which affect the entire country.
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    My Voting Record
    RC# Bill Vote
    595 h res 1724 Yea
    594 h res 1217 Aye
    593 h j res 101 Nay
    592 h res 1430 Aye
    591 h res 1735 Aye
    590 h con res 323 Yea
    589 h res 1741 Nay

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