Champion for Transportation

In Washington state, transportation means jobs. We cannot have a big league economy with little league infrastructure.

As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I championed a five year, job-creating transportation bill that was signed into law in December 2015. This bill makes investments in our roads, bridges, highways and transit systems that will relieve congestion, improve safety and spur economic growth. I pushed hard to make sure Pacific Northwest priorities were included in this bill. There is an additional $2 million each year over the next five years for our ferryboat system. There is more money for sidewalks and bike trails, as well as our buses and transit systems. I also included language in the bill to streamline a popular transportation loan program to help mid-sized cities access the big-time funds they need. And there are stricter safety requirements for trains carrying crude oil, which will help keep our communities near rail lines safe.

The Pacific Northwest is the aerospace capital of the world, and I am working hard to make sure the United States invests in our aviation future. Aviation manufacturing is a powerful economic engine, and it means jobs in Northwest Washington. As the lead Democratic member of the Aviation Subcommittee, I will support the growth and safety of this important industry.