WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a member of the Senate Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, today commended Senator Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, for conducting a hearing to examine the needs of enacting a long-term transportation reauthorization bill.

“I applaud Sen. Inhofe for moving quickly to bring local, state, and federal leaders before the committee,” Wicker said. “Passing a comprehensive transportation bill would provide states and communities with the certainty they need to plan and build new highways and bridges. Improving our infrastructure would help create jobs, boost economic growth, and provide better safety for travelers. 

“In the coming weeks, I look forward to reintroducing legislation with Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., to provide local officials with the tools and resources necessary to invest in our nation’s transportation needs. I am hopeful that the proposal will be included in any transportation bill that moves forward during this Congress.”

Witnesses at today’s hearing included:

• Anthony Foxx, U.S. Secretary of Transportation;
• Robert Bentley, governor of Alabama;
• Peter Shumlin, governor of Vermont; and
• Darin Bergquist, South Dakota Secretary of Transportation.