Input Stories

The NAM continues to engage with policymakers on manufacturers’ priorities ahead of surface transportation reauthorization through its national infrastructure campaign, “Building to Win .”  Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-PA), a champion of infrastructure in the House, spoke to the NAM recently about his priorities for the surface transportation bill. Here’s what he had to say.

Cutting through red tape: “For too long, Northeastern Pennsylvania has seen infrastructure projects talked about, studied and delayed instead of finished, and that hurts workers and manufacturers alike,” said Rep. Bresnahan.

• “That’s why my priorities for this surface reauthorization are cutting red tape, improving worker safety and making sure federal dollars actually reach local communities so long-standing projects can finally move forward.”

Timing matters: Rep. Bresnahan emphasized that the surface transportation reauthorization must be passed “on time.”

• “When federal programs and funding are predictable, it allows the states, counties and municipalities to finish projects, keep workers on the job and avoid higher costs caused by uncertainty,” he pointed out.
• “For manufacturers specifically, reliable transportation policy means safer roads, stronger supply chains and lower costs to move goods.”

The benefits for Pennsylvania: “Our district is a critical supply chain hub,” Rep. Bresnahan said.

• “From [Northeastern Pennsylvania], you can reach 60% of the nation’s population within a one-day [commercial driver’s license] drive, which makes reliable transportation infrastructure essential to keeping goods moving and jobs here at home.”

Why the NAM matters: “Congress needs to hear directly from the people who are building, making and moving goods about what they need to succeed, and that’s where the NAM’s leadership matters,” said Rep. Bresnahan.

• “As someone who came from the business world, I know it’s manufacturers and workers who move America forward, not Washington. The NAM helps make sure those real-world voices are heard as Congress works to get an infrastructure bill done this year.”

Read the whole thing: You can read the full interview here.