CNC: Tennessee Lawmakers Want Resolution on Highway Bill

In just two weeks, the current highway bill will expire. Some in Congress want bold action but others say now isn’t the time for more big spending.

The Senate wants to extend the current highway bill by 18 months. But many in the House don’t want to keep limping along at current spending levels for that long. They want a much shorter extension to force Washington to consider a new bill, with massive new spending on highways, bridges, and mass transit. Representative Marsha Blackburn wants to see more money freed up.

“We would like to get this resolved, we would like for the highway trust fund and the money that is targeted for roads to be used for those roads and bridges.”

Blackburn says local officials from her district don’t want Congress to put off spending on infrastructure. Indeed, several Tennessee cities, from Memphis to Maryville, have hired lobbyists to push Congress for fast action on the highway bill. Senator Bob Corker isn’t surprised.

“Look, I used to be a mayor. I know how important infrastructure is. I was Commissioner of Finance for our state. I know it’s very, very important.”

By October first, Congress will have to pass some kind of extension – whether it’s three months or eighteen – just to keep current projects moving.

Reported by Tanya Snyder