ROADS/BRIDGES: Shuster says Obama’s infrastructure rhetoric is getting old

House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) released the following statement in response to the president’s State of the Union address:

“I welcome the president’s interest in improving our infrastructure. We have significant long-term infrastructure needs that must be addressed and responsibly paid for to improve our economic competitiveness, efficiency and quality of life.
 
“However, instead of showing leadership on these critical issues, the president offered little more than recycled sound bites from old speeches.

“Almost two years ago, the president called for improving the performance of federal permitting and review of infrastructure projects. Since that time he has reiterated that message numerous times as part of his ‘We Can’t Wait’ initiative, and did so once again last night. I applaud the president’s goals of slashing bureaucracy and streamlining the permitting process for infrastructure projects, but we are still waiting for action.

“I am committed to moving forward with fiscally responsible transportation solutions to promote competiveness and economic growth, reform programs, and focus our resources where they are needed most.”