WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement on the House-Senate conference on the Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill (S. 1813). 

“National surface transportation programs are critical to our economy and its continued growth,” Rockefeller said.  “The Senate passed a responsible, bipartisan two-year surface transportation bill which included common-sense safety provisions and protected hundreds of thousands of jobs.  The House never actually voted on a version of the surface legislation and we should focus on finding common ground, not pushing unrelated issues.”

“Right now, my goal as we begin the conference process is coming up with legislation that protects jobs and investments in our roads and bridges.  To remain competitive in the 21^st century, we must create a national surface transportation policy that reflects anticipated population growth and provides our safety agencies with authority to protect the citizens who use these systems.”

“Separately, I want to make it clear that I cannot support the environmental provisions that have been attached to the surface bill by the House. These riders would jeopardize the tremendous bipartisan support this bill has had so far in the Senate.”

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