Thursday, June 21, 2012

Road Ahead Opens for Transportation

Chamber members will rejoice that their #1 issue: Transportation, looks to improve.

Today's joint announcement by Senator Barbara Boxer and Congressman John Mica outlined a path forward for the transportation reauthorization bill.  It was only days ago lawmakers on both sides of the aisle were pronouncing the deal dead and predicting another extension.

“The conferees have moved forward toward a bipartisan, bicameral agreement on a highway reauthorization bill. Both House and Senate conferees will continue to work with a goal of completing a package by next week,” reads a joint statement issued by chief negotiators Senator Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.).

Sen. Boxer said, “we are really finishing up our work,” she said. “If all goes the way it’s going now, we should be through with most of the bill very soon, and then we’ll tackle the outstanding issues. I’m … quite optimistic.”

Janet Kavinoky, executive director of transportation and infrastructure for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said, “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.”

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