U.s. congressman Rodney davis proudly representing the 13th district of illinois

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today voted for a multi-year highway bill, which passed the House with bipartisan support by a vote of 363-64.

“We’ve forced our states and local governments to operate under uncertainty for far too long,” said Davis. “This bipartisan bill makes critical policy changes needed to improve our transportation system and it guarantees funding for our roads and bridges for the next three years. However, I remain committed to finding long-term, innovative funding solutions that support a 21st Century transportation system that is needed to move our economy forward.”

The House bill includes two bipartisan amendments submitted by Davis along with U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.). The first amendment provides important relief to independent welders working in the pipeline industry who use their personal vehicle on the job. The second clarifies existing law as it relates to the type of freight auto-haulers can carry on backhaul trips after they deliver their vehicles to car dealerships. Both amendments had the support of business and labor groups.

“At a time when gridlock and dysfunction seem to be the narrative most prevalent in Washington, both of these amendments are prime examples of how Democrats and Republicans can work together to find commonsense solutions to problems facing both the business and labor communities,” said Davis.

Additionally, this bill provides more local control by increasing the share of Surface Transportation Program (STP) funding that is suballocated to metropolitan areas by 1% per year, starting at 51% in FY16 and going up to 55% by 2020.

“While this bill takes modest steps toward increasing local control of transportation funds, I believe there is still room for improvement,” said Davis. “I will continue to fight to give our communities, and particularly smaller communities, a greater voice in how transportation dollars are spent.”

Davis has spearheaded reforms that increase local control of transportation funds provided to states with his bill the Innovation in Surface Transportation Act.

Additional reforms and improvements made by the House bill include:

• Streamlines the environmental review and permitting process, accelerating project delivery.
• Establishes a National Surface Transportation and Innovative Finance Bureau intended to provide assistance to state, local and private partners as they move various transportation projects forward.
• Creates a Nationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects Program to help improve the movement of goods across the country.
• Promotes the deployment of transportation technologies that will enhance the surface transportation system by reducing congestion and increasing efficiency.