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Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Holds First Hearing of the 115th Congress

Explores Building a 21st Century Infrastructure For America

Washington, DC, February 1, 2017 | Justin Harclerode (202) 225-9446
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Earlier today, Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA) and Members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held the Committee’s first full hearing of the 115th Congress to explore the importance of infrastructure to America’s job creators, and what sort of infrastructure investments must be made to prepare the Nation to take on the challenges of the 21st century.  The hearing, entitled “Building a 21st Century Infrastructure for America,” featured testimony from some of the Nation’s largest corporate users of our transportation networks and infrastructure, as well as organized labor.

“The health of the Nation’s infrastructure will determine our competitiveness in a 21st century global marketplace,” said Chairman Shuster.  “Manufacturers, farmers, and consumers all rely on the efficient movement of goods and people throughout the Nation.  America cannot afford to lag behind our competitors as they make significant improvements to their own infrastructure.  Today’s hearing explored ideas and solutions to remain a leader in commerce and job creation tomorrow.” 

The Committee heard testimony today from a panel of prominent witnesses:

  • Mr. Frederick W. Smith, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FedEx Corporation
  • Mr. David W. MacLennan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cargill, Incorporated
  • Mr. Ludwig Willisch, President and Chief Executive Officer of BMW of North America
  • Ms. Mary V. Andringa, Chair of the Board of the Vermeer Corporation
  • Mr. Richard L. Trumka, President of the AFL-CIO

    “Washington is focused on infrastructure like never before, including President Trump, who continues to push for addressing our infrastructure needs,” Shuster added.  “Before we can specify any infrastructure proposal, we must frame what we want to accomplish and lay out a vision for building a 21st century infrastructure.  Today’s hearing was the first step towards that goal.”

    Video of today’s hearing, Chairman Shuster’s opening statement, the witnesses’ testimony, and additional background information is available here.

     

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