Bill Johnson on House Passage of the Highway Bill

Statement

Congressman Bill Johnson (R-Marietta) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Surface Transportation Reauthorization & Reform Act of 2015 (commonly referred to as the "highway bill"). Johnson voted in favor of the legislation.

"This bipartisan bill would end the cycle of short-term reauthorizations, and finally give Ohio and local governments some funding assurance. For far too long, Washington's inaction has created uncertainty for our states and local governments. This legislation would correct that. Additionally, a multi-year highway bill is critical to America's long-term economic competiveness in a global economy.

"For many years, I have been advocating for a long-term highway reauthorization -- short term, kick the can down the road fixes are no way to govern. This bill was a positive step, and I was pleased to support it. However, I still have serious concerns about long-term funding provisions for this important program, and I remain committed to finding creative funding solutions that support a transportation system that moves our economy forward.

"The House and Senate will now work together in conference to rectify the differences between our two transportation bills before a gap in highway funding occurs on November 20. I sincerely hope that during the Conference Committee process we are able to find funding for the final three years of the bill so I can continue to give it my support."

Source