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Loebsack Urges Long Term Surface Transportation Reauthorization |
| Posted: March 18, 2011 |
March 14, 2011
Dear constituent,
On March 2, 2011 the House of Representatives passed the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011. I wanted to take this opportunity to reaffirm my commitment to reauthorizing our nation's surface transportation laws. I have continually urged passage of a multiyear, long-term, surface transportation bill. As you may know, the most recent transportation bill (SAFETEA-LU) authorization expired back in September 2009. These programs have been extended seven times through temporary extensions since then.
This most recent extension passed the House of Representatives on March 2, 2011 and was signed into law on March 4, 2011 (P.L. 112-5). I supported this legislation, as it ensures that the U.S. Department of Transportation can continue working with states and local governments to make improvements and perform maintenance on our transportation infrastructure and keep thousands of hardworking crews on the job through September 30, 2011. This short-term extension will provide important certainty for the rest of the fiscal year, but we must not lose sight of creating a longer-term vision and 21st century goals for our transportation system by passing a multiyear surface transportation bill.
While there will certainly be difficult choices that need to be made in regard to financing the Highway Trust Fund, we must start these debates sooner rather than later to understand how to provide for a transportation system that ensures our continued economic growth and global leadership. Improved transportation policies will not only help provide employment in many sectors of our economy but will also help ensure the efficient functioning of commerce and improved safety for travelers, as well as increased livability and transportation options for our communities.
I commend Congressman John Mica (R-FL), Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for holding field hearings around the country to gain insight and recommendations from individuals like you on the need to pass a longer-term surface transportation reauthorization. These hearings will build off of the blueprint for reauthorization that was created during the 111th Congress. Please know that I will continue to advocate for a long-term extension before September 30, 2011 and will collaborate with all Members of Congress on these important issues. I also hope to hear from you on your thoughts on reauthorization. Should you have any questions or comments that you would like to raise on this issue or any issue of importance to you, please do not hesitate to contact my office by phone at (202) 225-6576 or through my website here.
Sincerely,
Dave Loebsack
Iowa's Second District
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