Press Releases

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today voted for a long-term highway funding bill to invest $325 billion on transportation projects for the next six years.

“Our nation’s infrastructure is facing a breaking point. An efficient and functioning infrastructure system is critical to our economy,” DelBene said. “I’m glad Congress has finally prioritized funds to fix our crumbling infrastructure and has provided states certainty needed to begin projects. This is a smart investment that will yield great returns.”

DelBene was able to add an amendment to the underlying bill that would ensure the Frontline Workforce Development Program is effectively evaluated and policy recommendations are generated to improve the program. Often referred to as the Ladders of Opportunity Initiative, the program provides grants to train and recruit underrepresented populations for a career path in transit maintenance and operations.

“Helping people find good-paying, long-term employment is the best way to ensure everyone has access to economic opportunities,” DelBene said. “This program helps low-income Americans become self-sufficient by giving them specialized training needed to have a career in the transit field and increase their earning potential, and this amendment will find the best ways to help the most people be successful.”

The House and Senate must reconcile differences between their transportation bills ahead of the Nov. 20 deadline when highway funding runs out. Earlier this year, Congress passed short-term measures to avoid defunding current transportation projects.

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