Transportation

Wyoming’s interstates, highways, railroads, and airports are vital to our state’s economy.  We rely on roads and air travel to bring tourists and visitors to our national parks and monuments, historical sites, and to our great outdoors where they can enjoy hunting, hiking, fishing and other recreational opportunities.  Our transportation infrastructure also supports Wyoming’s energy producers, farmers and ranchers, and many other industries. 

One of the critical issues that Congress needs to address is the long-term viability of the Highway Trust Fund.  The Highway Trust Fund helps us pay for roads and bridges that are part of the vital national link that benefits travelers and businesses across the country.  Unfortunately, revenue for the trust fund has been unable to keep up with spending and the trust fund is going broke.  Part of fixing the Highway Trust Fund involves making decisions about our priorities and reducing spending, but we also need to make sure revenue for the trust fund can meet our current obligations.  One way would be to allow the gas tax to be adjusted with inflation in order to make the Highway Trust Fund solvent.  I know that this is not popular idea, but it is a debate that the Senate needs to have. 

As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, as well as the Subcommittee on Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure, I look forward to working on sensible funding mechanisms that allow us to make sensible investments in our transportation infrastructure.  Trucks, trains, and planes are critical to Wyoming’s commerce and economy and I look forward to working on legislation that supports our state’s infrastructure needs.