Teamsters president releases statement about remaining transportation safety concerns

Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa recently released a statement about the extension of the transportation bill as well as the safety issues that remain problematic in transportation.

Beginning in 2008, Congress has invested over $62 billion into the Highway Trust Fund from the general fund. The last time Congress passed a highway bill that lasted over two years was more than a decade ago.

During this time, U.S. infrastructure has continued to deteriorate. Now there are major safety concerns for the people who travel and work on the roads and rails of the U.S.

Most recently, the Senate has chosen to pass a bill that will extend the fund for another three months. Many leaders say that this is not enough. Congress will need to pass a long-term fix to benefit the U.S. infrastructure and economy.

Not only is the extension a short-term fix, but it also includes several provisions that will serve to continue to deteriorate the rail and highway safety of drivers and workers.

“Yet again, too many lawmakers are not devoting the necessary effort to move a long-term transportation bill through Congress that will address this nation’s broad transportation infrastructure needs,” Hoffa said. “Those on Capitol Hill must move past their ideological differences and find solutions that help the American people and the economy.”