Congresswoman Doris Matsui Votes for Five-Year Highway Reauthorization
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, December 3, 2015
CONTACT:
LAUREN DART
(202) 225-7163
Congresswoman Doris Matsui Votes for Five-Year Highway Reauthorization
Legislation Gives California and Sacramento More Certainty on Critical Infrastructure Projects
Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) voted for the conference report on Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act -- a measure that reauthorizes highway, bridge, transportation safety, and public transit projects and provides $281 billion in guaranteed funding for these projects over the next five years. Congresswoman Matsui joined her Democratic and Republican colleagues in the House to adopt the bill by a vote of 359 to 65. The FAST Act also reauthorizes the critically important Export-Import Bank for four years, which helps American workers and businesses compete in the global economy.
"I have always supported comprehensive, long-term solutions to fund our critical infrastructure," said Congresswoman Doris Matsui.
"The five-year highway reauthorization package passed today will allow important transportation projects to advance, and I'm particularly pleased that the reauthorization increases funding for upgrading the nation's rail transit systems and provides resources for transportation alternatives like walking and biking.
"While I'm encouraged that Congress is taking a first step through a longer term reauthorization for our transportation systems, our aging infrastructure across the nation is in dire need of a more robust, sustainable funding solution than what this package provides. I will continue to fight for strengthening America's roads, bridges, and transit systems to create jobs and foster economic growth."
The conference report includes a number of key provisions that will:
andmiddot; Boost commerce and strengthen our economic competitiveness by providing dedicated funding specifically for freight projects, including freight rail, for the first time.
andmiddot; Inject $3.7 billion over five years into bus funding - a 75 percent increase over current levels. This will reduce traffic congestion, by providing more public transportation options.
andmiddot; Authorize $10.2 billion for intercity passenger rail investment, including Amtrak, while providing $199 million in guaranteed funding to help commuter railroads implement Positive Train Control systems.
andmiddot; Increase American manufacturing jobs by strengthening Buy America requirements.
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