Ryan Zinke Votes to Reauthorize Highway Funding, Calls on Congress for Long-term Solution

Press Release

Today Congressman Ryan Zinke voted to extend highway funding until the end of October and called on House and Senate leadership to craft a long-term plan that is fiscally responsible and provides investment in Montana's infrastructure. H.R. 3236, The Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvement Act of 2015 is fully paid for with offsets and also includes provisions co-sponsored by Zinke from the Hire More Heroes Act and the Helping Veterans Save for Health Care Act.

"The Highway Bill is one of those "must-do' bills, and I believe infrastructure is a fundamental role of government. Infrastructure is an investment, not simply an expense, that will prepare Montana for the future," said Representative Ryan Zinke. "A long term highway bill that is paid for with the right priorities is certainly at the top of my list, but right now Congress has no clear path forward. I am pleased that our Veterans and Highways remain a priority, but I look forward to both Chambers coming together on a fiscally responsible way to build our roads and bridges."

This bill would reauthorize the federal highway and local mass transit programs through October 29, 2015, and transfer $8.068 billion from the Treasury's General Fund to Highway Trust Fund with offsets. Other than the shorter extension, the highways portion of the bill is substantively similar to H.R. 3038, the 5-month extension passed by the House on July 15, 2015. The version being considered by the Senate is six years however only provides funding through two and a half years.

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