Alabama Construction News is the states only bimonthly magazine dedicated to the commercial construction industry.
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31 JAN-MAR 2017 AL CONSTRUCTION NEWS Adds Senator Shelby, "President Trump has made it clear that his number one priority is the American people," he said. "I believe that the long-term goals of this administration are to ensure that Washington empowers the people of this great country instead of placing undue burdens on them. From negotiating trade deals that ensure free and fair trade to rolling back big government policies, I believe that there is a great opportunity ahead for the American people from this administration. While there are many issues Senator Shelby is hoping to tackle during the session, one of his biggest topics is Obamacare. "Obam- acare is the largest social and spending legislation in recent Amer- ican history," Senator Shelby said. "Rather than a government takeover of health care, I support repealing and replacing Obam- acare with real reforms that cut health care costs and increase coverage—not expand the government's role in the daily lives of the American people. Senator Shelby is also focusing on tax reform, a topic he is hop- ing can be achieved in the 115th Congress. "In an effort to reform our overly burdensome and complex tax code, I am proud to have introduced legislation in every Congress since my election to the U.S. Senate to establish a flat income tax of 17 percent on all incomes. This legislation is a straightforward solution that would save Americans time and money. It would also allow businesses to redirect resources away from tax compliance and instead focus on expanding their businesses and creating jobs." Adds Congressman Rogers, "I can't speak to President Trump's exact goals, but I know that the Congress stands ready to work with him," he said. "We are ready to get to work repealing and replac- ing Obamacare, reducing burdensome regulations, protecting the unborn, securing our borders and rebuilding our military." C O N S T R U CT I O N I N D U S T RY While any of the legislative actions already mentioned could positively affect the construction industry, infrastructure spend- ing is obviously a topic that speaks directly to the industry. "I'm optimistic that we can make real progress on some long overdue infrastructure projects, especially if President Trump continues pushing for a large scale infrastructure bill," said Congressman Byrne. "In Southwest Alabama, I know we have a number of proj- ects, like an I-10 bridge over the Mobile River, that desperately need attention. There are similar projects like this all across the state and country, and I think bipartisan consensus is possible." Congressman Rogers believes one of the single biggest things Congress can do for infrastructure spending is a return to regular order and routine appropriations. "Complex multi-year projects require more attention and flexibility than a parade of continuing resolutions can provide," he said. "Additionally, the FAA reautho- rization and other bills will be good opportunities to implement policies that streamline infrastructure spending. That and eliminat- ing all the onerous Obama era regulations restricting job growth." Senator Shelby is hoping to work with the Trump administration on modernizing and improving the nation's infrastructure, includ- ing many critical projects in the state of Alabama. "From Mobile to Huntsville, there are excellent opportunities for growth in our state," he said. "I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress, as well as local leaders, on identifying these top projects and ensuring that Alabama is on the administration's radar when it comes to infrastructure investment." "I am excited we have a President who is so committed to getting the government off the backs of hardworking Americans and allowing them to focus on doing their jobs instead of having to comply with crazy federal rules." – Congressman Bradley Byrne