Problem Solvers Caucus Pushes for Bipartisan Action on Infrastructure

Statement

Yesterday, the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus met with the Co-Chairs of Building America's Future, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, to discuss the Caucus' intent to develop principles for a bipartisan infrastructure plan. The Problem Solvers Caucus, led by Congressmen Tom Reed (NY-23) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), is committed to addressing the urgent need for investment in America's infrastructure and has formed a working group, led by Congressman John Katko (NY-24) and Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5), to meet with key stakeholders and develop a plan that works for all Americans.

"Our mission is to find bipartisan solutions to our nation's most pressing issues, which include making drastic improvements to our infrastructure," said Congressman Reed. "Like the rest of the country, New York is long overdue for the positive effects this will also have on job growth and our economy. We are thankful to gain insight and support from Governor Rendell and Secretary LaHood and look forward to continuing our work to build a better future."

"In New Jersey, our infrastructure is a mess. By solving our nation's infrastructure issues in a fiscally responsible way, we can create jobs, secure our families from crumbling roads, bridges and rails, and give our country and New Jersey a competitive advantage on the world stage," said Congressman Gottheimer.

"Both sides of the aisle agree that our infrastructure crisis has gone unaddressed for far too long," said Congressman Katko. "Yesterday's meeting was a positive step forward as we continue to develop bipartisan reforms and policy ideas to fix our nation's crumbling roads and bridges and set us on a path towards sustainable infrastructure. I look forward to working with members of the Working Group and the Problem Solvers Caucus as we finalize and release our infrastructure report."

"I appreciated the opportunity to meet with former Governor Rendell and former Transportation Secretary LaHood to discuss how we can make job-creating investments in our nation's infrastructure," said Congresswoman Esty. "The American people have spoken loud and clear: we need to focus on improving the ways we move people, goods, and information to grow our economy and put folks back to work. As a Co-Chair of the Problem Solvers' Caucus Infrastructure Task Force, I'll keep working with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to get our country moving again."

"Refusing to maintain infrastructure is like refusing to maintain your car. If you refuse to invest, it will stop running," said Governor Ed Rendell. "Congress must work together with the administration to create a bipartisan bill that provides long-term funding. We must look at infrastructure in terms of a robust investment. It's an investment because we are creating something of value that is impactful."

"Your constituents are sick and tired of potholes and crumbling roads. Investing in infrastructure is not only an economic development opportunity for your friends and neighbors -- it's a no-brainer," said Secretary Ray LaHood. "We can't rebuild America unless we have funding, and that starts with raising the gas tax. Infrastructure must be a national priority or we will continue to fall behind as a nation."