U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Ed Markey say transportation bills making their way through Congress lack important safety measures and underfund the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.Last week the House passed a $325 billion measure to improve the nation’s roads, bridges and rails, but it only provides funding for half of the bill’s six-year window. Speaking on a conference call, Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut, says he’s stunned by a provision that would allow 18-year-olds to drive big rigs across state lines.
“This measure is a giant step back on road safety,” Blumenthal said. “It’s a gift to special interests and it will lead to deadly crashes.”
The Senate has passed its own version, while the House bill also revives the Export-Import Bank. Congress has until November 20th to get legislation to President Obama.
