[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 123 (Friday, August 1, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1324]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORTATION FUNDING ACT OF 2014

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                               speech of

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 2014

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, I rise in reluctant opposition to the 
highway bill before us today. While I strongly support infrastructure 
spending and believe we must pass a short-term fix to avert insolvency 
this summer, I am concerned that this bill will allow us to simply kick 
the can down the road one more time and delay a long-term solution.
  This week, the Senate voted on a bipartisan basis to shorten the 
timeline of this emergency extension, increasing pressure for a 
permanent solution this year. The House should not now delay those 
urgent conversations into next Spring. Our states and businesses have 
repeatedly asked for a long-term highway bill that provides certainty 
and allows them to tackle our greatest infrastructure needs. Congress 
should pass a temporary patch to get us the next few months, and then 
immediately begin work to fix the Trust Fund once and for all. Our 
constituents expect solutions, not band-aids, and it is long past time 
for Congress to deliver.

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