ATSSA president deeply disappointed with House’s failure to pass infrastructure bill

ATSSA President & CEO Stacy Tetschner released a statement this morning regarding the failure of the House of Representatives to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

“The inability of the House of Representatives to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is deeply disappointing,” he said. “While the passage of a short-term extension of the current highway authorization will allow for critical work to continue such as the lifesaving projects carried out by ATSSA members, the lack of passage of a long-term and robust infrastructure package should be considered a failure."

The House had been expected to vote for the IIJA on Thursday. The Senate had passed it in August. Instead, the House still hasn’t voted and it allowed the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act to expire Thursday night.

On Friday night, the House approved a 30-day extension of the surface transportation funding by a 365-51 vote. The Senate followed suit on Saturday under unanimous consent. The extension expires at the end of October. That action ensures the Highway Trust Fund can remain solvent and prevents any disruption to current projects.

House Democrats now have 30 days to find a solution between progressives and moderates on a separate multi-trillion dollar reconciliation package, that is currently holding up the passage of the IIJA.

Tetschner said passage of the IIJA should move forward to immediately address roadway safety.

“This legislation is popular on both sides of the aisle and it is time that the political games end and those who were elected to serve their constituents do the job they were sent to Washington to do. I can only assume that those who hold up this legislation for other political motives or fail to support it outright either do not understand the safety crisis road users currently face on our country’s roadways or do not have the appetite to address it.

“I urge all members of the House to talk to their constituents and ask them if they would like safer roads, more jobs in their community and an infusion of investment into their economy. The House must pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act now. It’s time for members of Congress to stop talking and start taking action.”