Washington, D.C.—Congressmen Reid Ribble (WI-8) and Tom Reed (NY-29) led a majority of House Republicans in sending a letter to House leaders urging consideration of a long-term highway bill.  The last long-term surface transportation bill was passed in 2005 and a new long-term bill would provide funding certainty for highway construction projects that will create jobs.

“This letter underscores that Republicans support action on a long-term infrastructure bill,” said Congressman Ribble. “Investing in our nation’s roads and highways, along with other modes of transportation, is a key component of our economic recovery. We want to make sure that Congress passes a plan that will not only get people back to work but also have a lasting, positive effect on the businesses, communities, and people throughout the country.

“We have always supported real infrastructure improvements,” said Congressman Reed. “Hardworking American taxpayers deserve to know that their money is being invested in a cost-effective manner.  A long-term highway bill, rather than repeated short-term extensions, is the best way to do that.”

Pete Ruane, president and CEO of the American Road and Transportation Builders Association.

“We commend Congressmen Ribble and Reed their many colleagues in articulating the importance of upgrading the nation’s surface transportation network to the U.S. economy and, more importantly, showing a willingness to support the revenues needed to achieve this goal. Reauthorization of federal highway and public transportation programs is more than two years overdue, and this proverbial ‘can’ will continue being kicked down the road until all members of Congress and the Administration do what’s right for the country and get serious about finding the resources to preserve and expand federal surface transportation investment.”  

Pat Goss, Executive Director, Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association” 

“The Wisconsin Transportation Builders support Congressman Ribble’s call for a strong, multiyear federal commitment to transportation policy. The states need this certainty and we applaud Congressman Ribble for his leadership on this issue.” 

Ribble, a member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Reed, a member of the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted the letter to House Republican leadership today. Ribble and Reed noted unemployment numbers released just this morning indicate that 20,000 construction jobs were lost during the month of October, underscoring the importance of quick action on the highway bill.

To read the Ribble/Reed Letter, click here.

###