05.01.14

Murray Continues Push to Avoid an Unnecessary Highway Trust Fund Crisis

Murray: “For many states, this looming crisis is already a reality. We need to act now.”

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) delivered remarks on the Senate floor, continuing her effort to warn colleagues of the looming potential crisis before the Highway Trust Fund reaches critically low levels this summer. Murray highlighted that various states across the country have started preparing to stop new construction projects, and explained that if the Highway Trust Fund crisis hits, we could potentially see a construction shutdown which would leave workers without a paycheck. 

In her speech, Murray proposed closing wasteful tax loopholes in order to replenish the Highway Trust Fund – an approach that has been made by Republicans and Democrats. Murray called for bipartisan support to close these loopholes, and avoid an unnecessary crisis.

Murray has previously warned colleagues about this crisis and called a recent Department of Transportation status update on the fund a "wake up call to Congress.”

Key Excerpts from Senator Murray’s Speech:

“The Highway Trust Fund is a vital resource for states to tackle much-needed transportation projects. But right now, the trust fund is running on fumes. And states, from Vermont to California, and many in between, are rethinking their plans for construction, because of funding uncertainty in the Highway Trust Fund.”

“…the Department of Transportation says the trust fund won’t be able to keep up with its payments to states as soon as this summer. This crisis is right around the corner, and many states are now planning for the worst-case scenario.”

“…construction is at its height during the summer months. So, if the Highway Trust Fund hits a crisis in the next few months, we could potentially see a construction shutdown, meaning workers would be left without a paycheck.”

“Closing wasteful loopholes so we can create jobs here at home would be good for workers, good for the economy, and it would make our broken tax system fairer in the process. I’m hoping Republicans will come to the table, willing to close just a few corporate loopholes, so we can avoid an unnecessary crisis in the Highway Trust Fund, so we can give states more certainty to plan, and so we can help spark job growth this summer.”

“… if Republicans aren’t willing to work with us, they should have to explain why egregious corporate tax loopholes are more important than workers in our construction industry, and more important than drivers and businesses that rely on safe roads and bridges.”

“For many states, this looming crisis is already a reality. We need to act now. Let’s show states that we will continue to invest in projects that help drivers and help businesses move their goods. Let’s show the American people that Congress can work together to ensure vital construction projects can move forward this summer. Let’s shore up the Highway Trust Fund and avoid this unnecessary and preventable crisis.”

Full Text of Senator Murray’s Speech:

“Thank you, Madam President.

“The Highway Trust Fund is a vital resource for states to tackle much-needed transportation projects.

“But right now, the trust fund is running on fumes.

“And states, from Vermont to California, and many in between, are rethinking their plans for construction, because of funding uncertainty in the Highway Trust Fund.

“As one example, in New Mexico, state officials are starting to ramp up construction plans for Interstate 25 in Albuquerque.

“That project has been a high priority for city officials for a number of years.

“Once it’s complete, it will reduce traffic and improve safety in the area.

“But right now, state officials in New Mexico have said they’re concerned federal funding for that project might be in jeopardy.

”Madam President, that’s not an isolated case.

“The trust fund supports transportation projects across the country, to ease congestion for commuters and for businesses that need to move their goods quickly and efficiently.

“It funds safety initiatives and construction that improves roads and bridges. And it sparks job creation for American workers.  

“But the Department of Transportation says the trust fund won’t be able to keep up with its payments to states as soon as this summer.

“This crisis is right around the corner, and many states are now planning for the worst-case scenario.

“In fact, the state of Missouri has stopped planning for new projects.

“In Colorado, a state official said that without federal funds, major projects probably won’t be completed or ever get underway.

“Arkansas had begun planning several projects to replace bridges, widen highways, and repair roads, but now, transportation officials there have put 10 projects on hold because of the looming crisis.

“Madam President, construction is at its height during the summer months. So, if the Highway Trust Fund hits a crisis in the next few months, we could potentially see a construction shutdown, meaning workers would be left without a paycheck.

“That could add up to 10,000 jobs in Florida, according to the president of the Florida Transportation Builders Association.

“And across the country, failing to shore up the Highway Trust Fund could cost more than 180,000 jobs in fiscal year 2015. That’s according to analysis from the Center for American Progress.

“In Kentucky, Governor Steve Beshear summed it up by telling reporters that, ‘we can’t afford for the Highway Trust Fund to go insolvent.’

“Madam President, states and workers are counting on us to solve this.

“I’m hopeful we can replenish the Highway Trust Fund in a bipartisan way. 

“In fact, House Republican Dave Camp, who chairs the Ways and Means Committee has proposed using corporate revenue to replenish the Highway Trust Fund.

“And, President Obama’s GROW AMERICA Act also calls for corporate revenue to address this crisis and make important investments in infrastructure.

“That approach makes a lot of sense. Closing wasteful loopholes so we can create jobs here at home would be good for workers, good for the economy, and it would make our broken tax system fairer in the process.

“I’m hoping Republicans will come to the table, willing to close just a few corporate loopholes, so we can avoid an unnecessary crisis in the Highway Trust Fund, so we can give states more certainty to plan, and so we can help spark job growth this summer. 

“But, if Republicans aren’t willing to work with us, they should have to explain why egregious corporate tax loopholes are more important than workers in our construction industry, and more important than drivers and businesses that rely on safe roads and bridges.

“Madam President, construction projects across the country are at risk.

“As just another example, in New Hampshire, construction crews have been working on a major project to widen Interstate 93. The project was designed to ease congestion and improve safety.

“But last month, the state transportation commissioner said the project could be stalled and thrown off schedule if Congress doesn’t resolve the Highway Trust Fund crisis. 

He said, ‘Any hiccup in federal funding could have a negative impact on the ending.’

‘For many states, this looming crisis is already a reality. We need to act now.

“Let’s show states that we will continue to invest in projects that help drivers and help businesses move their goods.

“Let’s show the American people that Congress can work together to ensure vital construction projects can move forward this summer.

“Let’s shore up the Highway Trust Fund and avoid this unnecessary and preventable crisis.

“Thank you, Madam President. I yield the floor.”

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