Senate Panel Reaffirms that Infrastructure Remains Bipartisan

WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 26, 2021 – Today, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) unanimously approved historic investment in the nation’s highways, bridges and roads. The committee’s thoughtful, bipartisan action on the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 sends a clear signal that common ground still exists when it comes to the nation’s infrastructure.

“Today reminded us of what we in the transportation sector have always known – infrastructure should be bipartisan,” said Ian Jefferies, AAR president and CEO. “This reauthorization bill will help rebuild our surface transportation systems today while also making a substantial down payment on the nation’s future needs. Railroads commend EPW Committee members for their resolve and uniform bipartisan commitment to modernizing our nations highway infrastructure.”

The Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 would increase baseline funding for the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) programs to a historic $303.5 billion – an increase of more than 34% over prior authorization levels. Congress has until September 30, 2021 to reauthorize the nation’s surface transportation programs.

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For more information contact: AAR Media Relations at media@aar.org or 202-639-2345.

About AAR: The Association of American Railroads (AAR) is the world’s leading railroad policy, research and technology organization focusing on the safety and productivity of rail carriers. AAR members include the major freight railroads of the U.S., Canada and Mexico, as well as Amtrak. Learn more at www.aar.org.