Press Releases

Today, Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02), joined colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass H.R. 22, the Highway Bill Reauthorization/Export-Import Bank Reauthorization, by an overwhelmingly bipartisan 363-64 vote. On Tuesday, McGovern, the second-highest ranking Democrat on the House Rules Committee, led the floor debate for House Democrats on the measure and helped to defeat an amendment that would have allowed bigger and heavier trucks on the road.

“Today’s passage of a bipartisan long-term highway bill is a victory for Americans across the country,” Congressman McGovern said. “So many of our nation’s roads and bridges are long-overdue for repair. With so many state budgets already stretched to the brink, this funding will provide a big boost to our economy by supporting good-paying construction jobs and giving governors and mayors the certainty they need for long-term infrastructure projects.  

“I am especially pleased that we were able to defeat an amendment that would have allowed heavier and bigger trucks on the road. Big trucks only pay a fraction of the true cost of the wear and tear they cause on our roads and bridges and big truck crashes kill nearly 4,000 people every year. Americans have said loud and clear that they don’t want bigger trucks and this is an important victory to keep drivers safe on the road” McGovern added. “I am proud to see Congress come together to pass this important bipartisan bill and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have for Massachusetts and states across the country.”

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