A US six-year surface transport bill involving vast upgrades in roads building has received support by ranking Republicans in the Democrat-controlled Senates.
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee spent a hearing on the Surface Transportation Bill which calls for long-term spending with Democrats emphasising its potential job creation and prosperity, while Republicans stressed the need to upgrade the decaying highway system.
"We have avoided this for several years, but if we fail to act, the consequences will be severe," said ranking Okalahoma Republican Senator James Inhofe, reported Newark's Journal of Commerce. "Many do not view infrastructure funding as one of our primary federal responsibilities. Yet there is an undeniable link between a robust economy and strong transportation network."
But he also warned that revenue from the Highway Trust Fund can support no greater level of spending than it does now.
California Democratic Senator and committee chairwoman Barbara Boxer said she looked forward to working "on drafting a bill that will create jobs, accelerate economic recovery, and build the foundation for long-term prosperity."