As a member of the Conference Committee on this bill, I was pleased the House and Senate came to a bipartisan agreement today to help us fund our
transportation needs. Long-term infrastructure projects across the country will be essential to keeping America's competitive edge, will create jobs, and
will give a boost to our economy. This bill will keep America moving.
I was also pleased we were able to extend low interest rate lending for student loans. As higher education costs continue to increase, we must work
together to ensure our students have access to the means to get an education. Additionally, we don't want to load down our future college graduates with
enormous debt.
Additionally, working in a bipartisan fashion, we reauthorized the National Flood Insurance Program. By extending the flood insurance program, the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will continue selling and renewing policies, allowing residents in flood prone areas to obtain or retain the protection
they need.
Today's vote is a good example of all parties coming together in a bipartisan manner to pass important legislation that will help create jobs, boost our
economy, reduce the burden on students seeking a college education, and give those living in a flood plagued area peace of mind that they will have
insurance.
As we all prepare to celebrate our Nation's 236th birthday, please take time to remember all who have served and sacrificed to help us remain safe and
free. The freedoms we celebrate on July 4th are the freedoms many do not enjoy. It is because of the great sacrifice of the outstanding men and women of
our Armed Forces that we continue to have the great freedoms envisioned by our forefathers.
I wish everyone the best as they celebrate with family, friends and loved ones at picnics and parades across America. Please take the time to thank a
service member and our military families, and take the time to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we may be free.
Ed Whitfield represents Kentucky's First Congressional District, which includes Logan County, in the U.S. House of Representatives.