February 6, 2012

Posted by Catherine Boland

Motor vehicle parts manufacturers depend on effective transportation. Suppliers must be able to provide their customers with the parts, systems, and components needed to efficiently manufacture motor vehicles and equipment. In order to meet this important objective, the industry needs a reliable highway system.

With the current extension of the transportation reauthorization bill expiring at the end of March, it is imperative that Congress take action to ensure the continuation of a safe and efficient U.S. highway system.

Last week, the House Transportation Committee passed a long-term transportation reauthorization proposal. The four and a half-year bill calls for reforms to existing programs, streamlines the project approval process, gives states more flexibility, and encourages private sector participation in infrastructure financing and rebuilding. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee passed a two-year transportation reauthorization bill, S. 1813, and the Senate Commerce Committee has passed a number of bills concerning vehicle and highway safety.

Once the legislation in the House makes it through the Committees, it is likely to be combined into a comprehensive surface transportation bill which Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) has promised the House will vote on prior to Feb. 20. Similarly, the various bills in the Senate Committees are expected to be combined on the floor for full consideration before Congress recessed during President’s Day week.

Transportation authorization legislation provides the critical framework for our infrastructure and regulatory requirements. MEMA is working to include language in the legislation that will encourage the purchase and installation of heavy-duty safety technology and to ensure safety provisions do not increase costs to manufacturers who import vehicle equipment.