"I really believe we ought to find a way to get the transportation bill passed," said House Democratic Whip James Clyburn, D-South Carolina. "It has always been a big job creator. Not only that, it also provides a tremendous service" to states and communities that rely on federal funds to help pay for transportation.

Congress returns to session the week of Sept. 13. It is scheduled to meet until Oct. 8, then adjourn for the remainder of the year. Many Capitol Hill observers have said, however, they expect a lame-duck session after November's midterm elections. The current extension of federal surface transportation authorization law expires Dec. 31. (see March 19 AASHTO Journal story)

Leading equipment industry trade groups, meanwhile, are launching efforts to get U.S. House and Senate candidates from across the country to commit to making surface transportation and water infrastructure investment a top priority in the next Congress.

The Infrastructure Campaign Pledge, unveiled last Friday, is part of the Start Us Up USA! national grassroots campaign led by the Associated Equipment Distributors and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. The groups said their campaign is necessary because of the dire economic conditions in the equipment industry and the need for sustained and substantial investment to address the nation's highway and water infrastructure needs.

"The next Congress must lay a solid foundation for America's growth and economic future, while creating a cleaner environment and a better quality of life for all," said AED President and CEO Toby Mack. "Support for America's infrastructure not only brings a bounty of long-term rewards, but yields immediate benefit by jumpstarting a struggling economy and creating much-needed jobs."

Start Us Up USA! will send the Infrastructure Campaign Pledge to every candidate for the U.S. House and Senate. The pledge gives candidates the opportunity to publicly commit to supporting robust federal investment in surface transportation and water infrastructure programs.

"The pledge communicates to candidates that we need action now on building needed infrastructure and boosting job creation," said AEM President Dennis Slater. "Candidates for the 112th Congress must take the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to building America's future by signing the pledge. Those seeking to serve through higher office must lead the way in securing sorely needed investments for our roads, bridges, and water systems."

A list of current signatories and more information about the pledge are available at tinyurl.com/infrapledge.