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Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today said Congress has taken a step in the right direction to fix the nation’s roads. H.R. 22, Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, reauthorizes highway, bridge, transportation safety and public transit projects for five years. The measure provides $281 billion in guaranteed funding for these programs, including $5.58 billion for Michigan – an increase of more than $495 million from current levels. The legislation also reauthorizes the Export-Import Bank for four years, which plays a vital role in helping Michigan businesses compete and succeed in the global economy. 

“Today, Congress took a first step towards fixing our nation’s aging infrastructure,” said Dingell. “Instead of kicking the can down the road, this legislation begins to provide the certainty needed to plan for the future, invest in Michigan’s crumbling roads and bridges, and jumpstart stalled construction projects. This is a good start, but we need to do more to fully address the challenge of our crumbling infrastructure. 

“I am also pleased that Congress finally acted to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank, which levels the playing field for American workers and businesses by helping them export their products overseas and create jobs at home.”

Since coming to Congress, Dingell has called for the reauthorization of the Ex-Im Bank to support American manufacturing jobs. In October, she signed a “discharge petition” that forced a vote to revive the Ex-Im Bank on the floor. This summer, Dingell visited Hancock Enterprises, Inc. in Taylor and Polytorx, LLC in Ann Arbor to highlight the critical role the Ex-Im Bank plays in helping Michigan manufacturers compete in the global economy. 

The bipartisan conference report includes a number of other key provisions, including:

• Increasing American manufacturing jobs by strengthening Buy America requirements;
• Increasing the percentage of funds within the Surface Transportation Program that flow directly to local regions, a top priority of local communities; and
• Promoting 21st century vehicles, including by requiring the DOT to designate national electric vehicle charging and hydrogen, propane, and natural gas fueling corridors to identify the near and long-term investments needed to support vehicles of the future.