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Senate Highway Bill Will Support Infrastructure, Boost Exports, Speed Project Approvals

Washington – Following today’s Senate vote to extend federal highway funding for three years, Business Roundtable President John Engler released the following statement.
 
“The Senate’s action to extend federal highway funding marks important progress toward reliable, long-term funding of transportation infrastructure. Congress and the President must cooperate to invest in infrastructure – it is a key contributor to greater productivity and stronger U.S. economic growth.
 
“The Senate highway bill also includes two important victories for middle class families, workers and businesses. The amendment sponsored by Sens. Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) to reauthorize the U.S. Export-Import Bank will help the United States successfully compete for more international sales. The Federal Permitting Improvement Act, introduced by Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Claire McCaskill (D-MO), will reduce unnecessary delays of major infrastructure projects. America’s business leaders enthusiastically back both of these provisions because they will expand economic opportunity and support millions of U.S. jobs. 
 
“We look forward to working with the House as it also considers a multiyear highway bill in the fall. A longer-term surface transportation bill will provide the investment and consistency to build this important foundation for the economy.
 
“Congress should also move forward with pro-growth legislation such as Export-Import Bank renewal and modernizing the federal permitting process.”
 
Earlier this year, Business Roundtable released an economic growth agenda that calls for tax reform, trade expansion – including reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank – fiscal stability, infrastructure investment and a smarter approach to regulation – including federal permitting reform – so that America can reach its full potential.
 

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