Janice Hahn: “Last month we saw two bridges in this country collapse in 1 week. If that fact doesn't get us to act, maybe this one…”

“Last month we saw two bridges in this country collapse in 1 week. If that fact doesn't get us to act, maybe this one will: According to the Federal Highway Administration, over 70,000 bridges nationwide have been ``deemed structurally deficient.'' That's one in nine bridges. Congress can't continue to kick this can down the road on this critical issue. That's why I've called on my colleagues on the Transportation Committee to hold hearings to focus on the state of our Nation's bridges. Last week we had the Special Freight Transportation Panel in southern California on a 3-day fact-finding trip to see how businesses rely on our transportation arteries, bridges, highways, ports to grow and sustain the trade industry and our global economy. When we invest in our infrastructure, we create a future with good- paying jobs; a strong, thriving economy; and an efficient, safe transportation system. We have Americans who need work. We have an infrastructure that needs fixing. Let's bridge that gap. ____________________”