WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today voted in favor of a short-term highway funding bill that would ensure that critical transportation and infrastructure projects remain funded while Congress works to pass a long-term strategic plan. The amended bill, H.R. 5021, will now be sent back to the House of Representatives for a vote.

“This measure would protect many infrastructure projects already underway in Mississippi from being mothballed,” Wicker said. “It would also keep the Highway Trust Fund solvent long enough for Congress to pass a comprehensive long-term transportation bill before the end of the year – anything short of that would be irresponsible.”

“Continued investment in our infrastructure enables us to remain economically competitive, provides stability for local stakeholders, and keeps the cost of goods low for consumers.”

The “Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014” would replenish the Highway Trust Fund so that payments incurred on state highway projects can be reimbursed.