WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined his colleagues on the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) to approve legislation that authorizes $287 billion for upgrades that will improve connectivity, efficiency and safety of highways across the country.

The America’s Transportation Infrastructure Act (ATIA) of 2019, which was unanimously approved by the EPW Committee, provides resources and flexibility for states to build safer and more modern highway, rail and bridge systems. The bill includes reforms advocated by Boozman that will cut bureaucratic red tape, streamline review processes and improve safety in rural America. 

“Our national economy thrives in part because of how interconnected the United States has been throughout its history. The ability to efficiently move goods and services across the country is a critical factor as to why the U.S. has been able to compete and thrive within the global marketplace,” Boozman said during his opening remarks.

“We can no longer kick the can down the road and ignore our infrastructure problems. It is time for the United States to be realistic about its infrastructure investment shortfall and start investing in infrastructure improvements today,” he added. 

Watch Boozman’s opening statement in full below.