Rep. Foster Votes to Build Highways, Save Jobs

Press Release

Rep. Foster Votes to Build Highways, Save Jobs

Restoring Highway Trust Fund Would Save Jobs in Illinois

Late yesterday, Rep. Bill Foster (IL-14) joined a bi-partisan majority and voted in favor of the Highway Trust Fund Restoration Act, H.R. 6532. The legislation would prevent a projected 34 percent budget shortfall in the Highway Trust Fund.

"This is the second time I have had the opportunity to vote in favor of the Highway Trust Fund Restoration Act," Rep. Foster said. "This is critical legislation that will make sure we have the resources we need to keep our essential jobs and roads safe."

The bill passed the House by a vote of 376-29 and now will be sent to the president for his signature. Failing to enact the legislation would cost almost 380,000 U.S. jobs, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Of those, an estimated 12,000 Illinois jobs could be lost.

The bill does not create an additional cost to taxpayers, as the Congressional Budget Office and the Joint Committee on Taxation determined that the legislation is revenue neutral. The $8 billion restoration is money that was moved from the Highway Trust Fund in the late 1990s.

"A 34 percent shortfall to the Highway Trust Fund would be devastating to our local economy and infrastructure," Rep. Foster said. "By finding a solution that would restore the fund with $8 billion without passing on new costs to taxpayers, we are able to avoid a potentially disastrous long term economic and infrastructure problems. Passing this bill is simply competent government. I call on the President to sign this bill into law immediately."

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