Congresswoman Terri Sewell issued the following statement after voting for the passage of the bipartisan conference report on H.R. 22, Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act).

“By making smart, strategic investments in our aging infrastructure, Congress will create more good-paying jobs for Americans. In order to continue to compete in today’s global economy we must have a first class transportation system that creates jobs, attracts industry, and enables American companies to better transport goods. Today’s passage of the FAST Act was an important step towards achieving those goals.

The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that 25 percent of Alabama’s roads are in poor or mediocre condition, and that those roads cost motorists an average $141 in extra vehicle repairs. I am pleased that this bill provides $281 billion in much needed funding to repair and maintain our nation’s highway, transit, and transportation safety programs over the next five years.

“This bill also reauthorizes the critically important Export-Import Bank for four years. America cannot lose its competitive edge in an increasingly global marketplace. At no cost to taxpayers, the Export-Import Bank has helped American businesses better compete abroad. For nearly 20 years, the Export-Import Bank has created or sustained 1.5 million private sector jobs.

“In these recovering economic times, job creation will undoubtedly remain my number one priority. This long term transportation bill will be a catalyst for increased economic vitality and development. I look forward to the President signing this bipartisan bill which provides long-term certainty for essential projects and helps put more Alabamians back to work.”

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