WASHINGTON – With the Highway Trust Fund facing impending bankruptcy, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) voted Tuesday to approve the Highway and Transportation Funding Act, legislation that will provide $8 billion for the Highway Trust Fund and extend its solvency until December. Senator Coons voted with the majority of his colleagues to approve an amendment authored by Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) to limit the extension from 10 months to five months in order to force Congress to pass a long-term transportation reauthorization this year.
“While I’m glad the Senate has come together to secure funding for the Highway Trust Fund, this stopgap measure does not solve our long-term problems. Congress can't keep kicking the can down the road, especially when that road is increasingly filled with potholes. It's time to take responsibility for our nation's infrastructure debt and find a long-term solution to finance these critical projects. Because of Senator Carper’s leadership, Congress will have to address this challenge this year.
“Our communities, our businesses, and our economy all depend on safe and reliable infrastructure. I hope my colleagues in the House will quickly approve this legislation and join us in the months ahead to pass a responsible, long-term transportation bill.”