IN THE NEWS

REPUBLICANS STILL STALLED ON MAJOR TRANSPORTATION BILL

As America Prepares to Travel for 4th of July, GOP Still Squabbling

WASHINGTON – House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer released the following statement today regarding the Republican failure to pass a major transportation bill that should have been completed last year.  The House voted today to temporarily extend the authorization of federal transportation programs for the fourth time.

“As Americans sit in Fourth of July traffic next week, they can thank Republicans for not sending any help their way.  President Bush and the Republican-controlled Congress are still stalled on the major federal transportation bill despite months of negotiations and a desperate need around the country for this bill to move forward. 

“Let’s be clear: the delay on this bill is being caused by intra-party squabbling among House Republicans, Senate Republicans and the Bush Administration over how much money to invest in our nation’s transportation system.

“In the meantime, this bill would create good paying jobs in a market that is struggling to produce them.  And it is critically important to improving and growing our roads, rails, airways, public transportation systems and economy.

“Time is running out to get this critically important bill done.  Republicans need to get moving on this bill or Democrats will do it for them when we are in charge after the November election.”

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