WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) delivered the following opening remarks at the first meeting of the bicameral surface transportation conference committee: 

Full transcript of Senator Barrasso’s remarks:

“Thank you so much Chairman Shuster and Vice-Chairman Inhofe, thank you for holding this important meeting for all conferees.

“I also want to thank Senator Boxer and Congressman DeFazio for their hard work to get us here today. 

“The Senate bill creates a freight program that will be critical to ensuring the delivery of goods and services and can move across state lines efficiently and safely. 

“If we allow bureaucrats in Washington to decide which projects get funded, we will inevitably create a patchwork interstate system.

“I believe the Senate position will help every state as opposed to just a few by distributing freight funding through the formula.

“Leaving out rural states is not part of the solution if we want to maintain a national highway system. 

“In Wyoming, we have a short construction season. 

“It typically starts in May and ends in October or earlier depending on the weather.  

“So we need to give our state DOT’s and highway contractors the certainty they need to plan. 

“As we continue to reconcile the differences, I urge the conference committee to act expeditiously to ensure we have a long-term bill. 

“Thank you and I look forward to working with everyone to get this done.” 

Background 

On Nov. 10, 2015, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) appointed Senator Barrasso to serve on the bicameral surface transportation conference committee. The committee is tasked with resolving differences between the Senate and House passed long-term surface transportation bills. 

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