Highway Bill extended through March 28;
Congress considering extension through December

While agreement on a March 28 extension of the highway bill was reached after Sen. Jim Bunning (R-KY) ended his filibuster, negotiations continue on an extension through December 2010 as part of the current jobs bill. The House recently amended the Senate jobs bill despite significant objections to the highway funding distribution. The bill will also provide revenue to the Highway Trust Fund that is needed to support current year commitments. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has initiated a series of hearings as it prepares to develop a bill for consideration this year. In letters to House and Senate leaders, AEM urged that any extension include a meaningful commitment to develop the policy and revenue needed to support a long term multiyear surface transportation program. The Senate may complete action on the first of a number of job creation bills this week.

• Start Us Up USA! website
• Contact your federal representatives and relay this critical need
• Sign the petition
• View highlights from the Las Vegas, Chicago, D.C. and San Antonio rallies
• Complete media coverage of the "Start Us Up USA!" campaign

Helping you build a Product Safety professional

All AEM member companies face the challenges associated with manufacturing and providing machines that meet the customers' needs and are safe. Providing your employees with the proper education to design, build, train and service your machines from a safety standpoint is critically important.

Next column to be published March 22