September 10,2008

Baucus Hails Final Passage Of Highway Trust Fund Fix

Finance Chairman’s amendment to successful legislation sends funds to states without delay

Washington, DC – Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) today ensured that key Federal highway funds will move immediately to states, as the Senate approved H.R. 6532, a House-passed measure to restore the Highway Trust Fund balance and enable vital infrastructure projects. The bill transfers $8 billion from the General Fund back to the Highway Trust Fund to finance maintenance of the nation’s roads and bridges – a move that will also create thousands of good-paying highway jobs for working Americans. Baucus amended H.R. 6532 to make funds available as soon as the President signs the bill into law, instead of at the end of the month.

“This was the responsible decision for Congress and a huge victory for hundreds of thousands of America’s highway workers and working families. This is about the safety and integrity our public infrastructure system, which means job creation and American competitiveness in the global economy,” Baucus said. “I’ve made certain today that this money will get to the states as soon as possible so that these critical highway projects can continue for the sake and safety of millions of Americans.”

In September 2007, Baucus proposed a $5 billion highway fix as part of the Finance-passed FAA bill, which was blocked in late April 2008. On June 26 of this year, Baucus sought to move an $8 billion Highway Trust Fund fix, and again before August recess 2008 as part of the Jobs, Energy, Families and Disaster Relief Act.

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