NAM President supports funding for infrastructure.
Press Release Summary:
National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President, John Engler, issued a statement following the markup of the Surface Transportation Authorization Act of 2009 by a House subcommittee on Highways and Transit. He commended Jim Oberstar and John Mica for managing the bi-partisan work, which he said effectively addressed the future solvency of the Highway Trust Fund and the need to reauthorize surface transportation programs before September 30, 2009.
Original Press Release:
NAM Supports Funding for Infrastructure
Engler Says Transportation Is Vital To Manufacturing, Jobs
WASHINGTON, D.C., June 24, 2009 - Following markup of the Surface Transportation Authorization Act of 2009 by a House subcommittee today, National Association of Manufacturers President (NAM) John Engler issued the following statement:
I commend House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman Jim Oberstar and Ranking Member John Mica for their excellent work managing the bi-partisan Surface Transportation Authorization Act of 2009 that was marked up today by the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. The legislation recognizes the need for a robust surface transportation program that is focused on critical national objectives and attempts to prevent further deteriorating conditions on our nation's aging highways, bridges, roads, and transit systems.
We have two very significant and immediate issues at hand - the future solvency of the Highway Trust Fund and the need to reauthorize surface transportation programs before September 30, 2009. The Surface Transportation Authorization Act of 2009 deals effectively with both these challenges.
Chairman Oberstar has indicated his desire for House action before the September 30 deadline. While the timeline may be ambitious to accomplish before the end of the federal government's fiscal year, this undertaking led by Chairman Oberstar should not face needless delays. Transportation is more than just mobility for people and goods - it's also about high wage manufacturing jobs in the transportation materials and equipment supply chain. Transportation is the circulatory system of the nation's economy. We must keep it in excellent health.
The National Association of Manufacturers is the nation's largest industrial trade association, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the NAM has 11 additional offices across the country. Visit the NAM's web site at www.nam.org for more information about manufacturing and the economy.
