Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) issued the following statement today on the release of House Transportation & Infrastructure Chairman Bill Shuster’s (R-PA.) draft infrastructure legislation:

 “We applaud Chairman Shuster on the release of his discussion draft. It’s a step in the right direction to reclaiming America’s infrastructure advantage, which will help create jobs and continue to grow our economy. We are encouraged by the Chairman’s leadership and recognition that long-term solutions to funding our roads, highways, waterways, and other vital infrastructure assets are overdue. This draft ensures that these much-needed discussions will continue. A strong, bipartisan effort, coordinated between the White House and Congress is critical to passing a comprehensive infrastructure package that addresses persistent shortfalls in our infrastructure system. Overwhelmingly, Americans want to see action on infrastructure. We look forward to working with leadership in the Senate and House, as well as the White House, to making infrastructure a top priority.”

Congress most recently passed a five-year extension of highway project funding through 2020, adding needed certainty for the short term to the highway construction industry that has been lacking during a series of short-term measured that preceded this legislation. However, Congress has not addressed how the Highway Trust Fund or other infrastructure programs are funded in the long-term.

AEM believes that the federal government must continue to maintain a strong role in funding U.S. infrastructure modernization. This includes providing an adequate and reliable funding source, but also extending efforts to expedite project delivery, ensuring urban-rural infrastructure connectivity, and maximizing the use of smart technology.