Congressman Flake Introduces Legislation to Alleviate Highway Trust Fund Shortfall
Bill Would Ease Shortfall By Rescinding Transportation Earmarks
Washington,
Jul 10, 2008 -
Republican Congressman Jeff Flake, who represents Arizona’s Sixth District, today introduced legislation to alleviate an expected $8 billion shortfall in the Highway Trust Fund.
Rather than taking money from the general fund, Congressman Flake’s legislation would help bridge the shortfall by rescinding unspent earmark funds within SAFETEA-LU, the 2005 transportation bill. SAFETEA-LU contained over 6,000 earmarks totaling over $24 billion.
“Congress larded up the transportation bill with more earmarks than there was money to pay for them,” said Flake. “Instead of taking money from the general fund for these earmarks, Congress needs to go on a pork diet.”
