Transportation and Infrastructure
The issue of Transportation and Infrastructure is important to our district and to my work in Congress.Creating jobs and boosting our economy is of paramount importance if we are to keep building on the slow rebound our country is now seeing. This is not a Republican or a Democratic goal, but one we all share.
Every dollar invested in Missouri transportation generates four dollars of new economic activity. And the Federal Highway Administration estimates for every billion dollars spent on transportation, 34,000 direct and indirect jobs are generated. That is why I take every opportunity to fight for the improvement of roads, bridges and waterways in my district. Bridge after bridge after bridge is in danger. Highways are crumbling. And we cannot sit by and play partisan politics and argue while our infrastructure continues to deteriorate.
Unfortunately, the most recent transportation proposal by the House majority made sweeping cuts to our investment in transportation, billions cut from last year’s levels. Vital programs such as the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Grant, from which Kansas City has benefited greatly, were eliminated entirely.
Congress must pass a robust transportation bill, not one that eliminates this crucial investment. It must do its job to create jobs, help businesses, and make travel more efficient and safe.
There are many challenges ahead. Working together in a civil and respectful way is imperative as we navigate these issues and find solutions that will best serve hardworking Americans. I know in Missouri’s Fifth District transportation and infrastructure are too important to let politics and partisan games get in the way.
Democrats and Republicans all use the same roads, bridges and highways. Businesses need a solid and safe infrastructure to get products where they need to be. Killing jobs at a time when the economy is making a slow, but sure, rebound is unfathomable. We can no longer kick the can down the road. Billions of dollars and millions of jobs are on the line.
More on Transportation and Infrastructure
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(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II is pleased to announce that the Buck O’Neil bridge located in Kansas City, Missouri has received a Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grant in the amount of $25 million.
(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II applauds the congressional passage of S.3021, America’s Water Infrastructure Act, commonly referred to as WRDA. This bill would give the Army Corps of Engineers the authorization to begin navigation, flood control, storm damage and other water infrastructure projects across the country. The U.S. House of Representatives passed its version of the bill, H.R. 8, by a vote of 408-2 on June 6, 2018. House and Senate committee leaders negotiated a compromise bill, which became S. 3021.
(Washington, D.C.) - Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II is pleased to announce that funding has been provided by the U.S. Army Corps’ Fiscal Year 2017 work plan to complete the Blue River Basin/Dodson Levee and the Turkey Creek Basin projects in the Kansas City area.
“This is great news. This was a long standing effort and I’m pleased to help with funding to see these projects reach the finish line,” said Congressman Cleaver.
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the 2016 Water Resources Development Act bill, S.612, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. This bill authorizes water resources development projects to be carried out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and also authorizes funding to address the Flint water crisis.
Assistance for Residents of Flint, Michigan also Included
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the White House sent President Obama’s Fiscal Year 2017 budget request to Congress. Congressman Cleaver applauded the President for putting forward a budget that builds the foundation for a strong American future – investing in innovation for the 21st century, advancing a world-class education system, and empowering hard-working families.
A little over a month ago, I admit, I was angry. Now, I am just plain fed up. I am frustrated.
Once again, Congress has failed to find solutions to the urgent business facing our country, threatening hundreds of thousands of jobs and prolonging uncertainty for communities across America.