Congress Fails to Fix Highway Trust Fund Shortfall

Sept. 28, 2010

Despite an outpouring of support from the construction industry and public officials, Congress has yet to act to restore the funding shortfall in the Highway Trust Fund, reports the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

If Congress fails to act, states will face nearly a 30 percent loss in highway funding next year. The so-called Highway Trust Fund fix was agreed to by House members but faced strong procedural objections in the Senate and on the Houses floor.

Despite an outpouring of support from the construction industry and public officials, Congress has yet to act to restore the funding shortfall in the Highway Trust Fund, reports the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

If Congress fails to act, states will face nearly a 30 percent loss in highway funding next year. The so-called Highway Trust Fund fix was agreed to by House members but faced strong procedural objections in the Senate and on the Houses floor.

In a letter to Congress, AEM President Dennis Slater noted the devastating impact "not only on safety and mobility in our country but also on employment in the highway construction industry" if the funding is not restored.

Meanwhile, AEM says it is meeting with industry groups to push for a fix before the August congressional recess.