Washington, D.C. – Rep. Todd Rokita (IN-04), the only Indiana majority member on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan, bicameral, Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act:
“Indiana is known as ‘the Crossroads of America’ and I am fighting for policies that will not leave an infrastructure debt of crumbling roads and bridges to future generations. The FAST Act will responsibly bring over $5 billion to Indiana in the next five years and incorporates Hoosier innovation that will improve traffic congestion, vehicle safety, and roadways. The bill also restores local control over decision making so states and local governments have more flexibility to address their unique infrastructure priorities,” said Rep. Rokita.
Rep. Rokita fought to ensure the legislation included key concepts vital to Hoosiers and those traveling through Indiana, specifically Critical Commerce Corridors (CCC’s) and Rep. Rokita’s bill H.R. 2702, the Safety Through Informed Consumers (STICRS) Act.
The CCC idea started in Indiana. In 2003, the Hudson Institute and Purdue University Civil Engineering developed a study to improve our interstate system. CCC’s create a physical separation between passenger and commercial vehicles. They are an efficient way we can not only move our goods throughout the country but also improve safety on our nation’s highways.
The STICRS Act, a bill Rep. Rokita introduced last July, requires manufacturers to post ratings for crash avoidance systems in all new cars. This bill showcases new safety technologies that American innovators develop that improve automobile safety. One of these manufacturing plants working on new safety technology is Delphi Automotive, an auto parts supplier with a facility in Kokomo, Indiana.
“Hoosiers consistently lead in improving our country’s transportation infrastructure systems. Delphi Automotive is a great example of how innovation can improve safety technology. Also, creating Critical Commerce Corridors will improve how we transport our goods across America, an important portion of Indiana’s economy. This is why I fought to ensure the FAST Act included key provisions that improve not only the efficiency but the safety of our roads. Thank you to Chairman Shuster and my fellow Committee members who worked together to put the first long-term highway bill in over a decade on the President’s desk,” added Rep. Rokita.
The FAST Act is a fully paid-for five-year reauthorization that will improve the nation’s surface transportation infrastructure, including our roads, bridges, transit systems, and rail transportation network. It reforms and strengthens surface transportation infrastructure and safety programs. It also refocuses programs on national priorities, including nationally and regionally significant projects and the movement of freight.
The bill passed 369-65 and now goes to the President’s desk for his signature.
