Smith Votes to Invest in Transportation Systems, Community Development

Press Release

Smith Votes to Invest in Transportation Systems, Community Development

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) tonight voted for H.R. 3474, the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies appropriations bill for fiscal year 2008. The bill passed the House of Representatives tonight by a vote of 268 to 153.

The bill provides more than $107 billion for transportation infrastructure investments which are critical to economic development and growth. The President has threatened to veto the legislation because House Democrats rejected several cuts to national infrastructure investments proposed by the Administration. Funding restored by Democrats included mass transit, Amtrak, and community development programs.

"Maintaining America's aging highway and transportation systems is a vital component of our economic development. The President's cuts would impede the movement of goods and services which ultimately increases the cost of doing business in the United States. I am pleased House Democrats restored these needed funds and voted to keep our economy going strong," Smith said.

Source