WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) released the following statement about the Senate vote today on highway funding legislation.
"Since joining the Senate, I have supported various highway funding bills and long-term efforts to modernize our nation's aging transportation infrastructure. Unfortunately, I voted against the Senate's multi-year transportation bill today for some important reasons.
"First, AMTRAK assured us three years ago it was ready to fully implement Positive Train Control (PTC) to help improve rail safety. Tragically, we learned a couple months ago in Philadelphia that this was not the case. AMTRAK must be held to the current, end-of-the-year deadline, and I oppose this bill's PTC-delay provisions.
"Second, a reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank has been added to this legislation in spite of bipartisan opposition. This corporate welfare has nothing to do with our highways and bridges and should not have been tacked onto a transportation bill. While the Export-Import Bank may be a winner for certain special interests, it's a loser for taxpayers and those who believe in free enterprise.
"However, I am pleased that, with my support, the Senate passed a separate bill that will keep our highway programs funded for the next few months so we can try to find common ground on a more sensible, long-term approach. Moving forward, I also hope we can keep our focus on fixing our highways and bridges without compromising rail passenger safety or doling out corporate welfare."
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