Jim Hasler, vice president of CNH Construction, North America, last week joined other construction industry executives in briefing senior members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on the importance of long-term infrastructure funding to support America’s global competitiveness.
In briefings arranged by the Organization for International Investment, Hasler and his industry colleagues met individually with Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.), transportation and infrastructure committee chairman; Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), ranking member of the committee; Rep. John Duncan (R-Tenn.), chairman of the subcommittee on highways and transit; and Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), House assistant minority leader.
“It was important for CNH Construction to voice our support of the chairman's goal of prioritizing a long-term comprehensive infrastructure strategy that addresses sufficient funding and certainty in the market,” Hasler said. “CNH applauds Chairman Mica’s leadership to complete a six-year highway bill by Memorial Day.”
During his meetings with the congressmen, Hasler pointed out that the heavy construction equipment industry is a major contributor to the U.S. economy and substantially impacts the economy of every state and congressional district.
“At CNH Construction, we believe the nation urgently requires long-term infrastructure funding solutions,” Hasler said. He cited research showing that investment in the nation’s highways, bridges, water and transit infrastructure creates 18,000 jobs for every $1 billion spent.
Moreover, Hasler emphasized that infrastructure investment is critical to America’s ability to compete globally. “America can leave no options unexamined, and no alternatives unexplored as we search for and implement solutions to our important infrastructure needs. Our future competitiveness demands nothing less.”
Hasler and CNH are hopeful that meetings with representatives from both sides of the aisle may help coalesce bipartisan support for investment in our nation’s infrastructure, resulting in jobs and economic growth.
CNH Global N.V. is a global provider of agricultural and construction equipment.
