Washington, D.C. – Alaskan Congressman Don Young today offered the following statement after House passage of H.R. 2353, the Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2015, which authorizes a two-month extension of federal transportation funding. Congressman Young voted in favor of the measure which passed 387 to 35.
“In our nation’s current fiscal environment, developing a fiscally sustainable multi-year transportation bill has taken significantly more time than many may have wanted. This short-term extension represents a serious commitment to reaching our ultimate goal of finding a multi-year transportation deal, while ensuring our nation’s vital transportation projects remain funded. A two-month extension is nobody’s idea of legislating, but in many ways Congress’ hands are tied.
“Fortunately, this bill does not cost the American taxpayer any additional dollars. Simply put, it would authorize the continued funding of transportation projects from the Highway Trust Fund until the end of July. Considering the upcoming construction season, which is even shorter and more strenuous in Alaska, this legislation was necessary.
“As Congress moves forward, we will continue to negotiate proposals to pay for these important infrastructure projects with as little additional taxpayer revenue as possible. My colleagues across the aisle must understand that spending reductions must occur and be included as part of a multi-year deal.”
Congressman Young is a former Chairman and a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. As the primary sponsor of the last highway transportation bill, he remains committed to providing a robust investment in infrastructure to more efficiently move people and products domestically and internationally.
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