Criticizes delay of long-term transportation bill, supports Keystone construction
Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement today after voting to pass a temporary 90 day extension to continue funding federal transportation projects like roads, highways, bridges, and other infrastructure. It's the 10th temporary extension Congress has passed without completing work on a long-term transportation authorization bill.
"It's appalling that partisan gridlock in Washington continues to interfere with fixing Iowa's crumbling roads and bridges. Businesses and individuals continue to suffer because Congress keeps kicking the can down the road. I'll hold the Speaker to his word that this short term extension will result in a long-term solution to address our transportation needs.
"I'm encouraged that this bill will help expedite the construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline. The pipeline project is an opportunity to create thousands of jobs in Iowa and the Midwest and reduce our dependence on Middle Eastern oil. Environmental concerns must be addressed, and this bill provides an avenue to air those concerns to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
"Keystone XL has attracted rare bipartisan support because of the enormous economic benefits it will provide. It should move forward quickly once it's approved."
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