Creating jobs and boosting our economy is of paramount importance if we are to keep building on the slow rebound our country is now seeing. This is not a Republican or a Democratic goal, but one we all share.

Every dollar invested in Missouri transportation generates four dollars of new economic activity. And the Federal Highway Administration estimates for every billion dollars spent on transportation, 34,000 direct and indirect jobs are generated. That is why I take every opportunity to fight for the improvement of roads, bridges and waterways in my district. Bridge after bridge after bridge is in danger. Highways are crumbling. And we cannot sit by and play partisan politics and argue while our infrastructure continues to deteriorate.

Unfortunately, the most recent transportation proposal by the House majority made sweeping cuts to our investment in transportation, billions cut from last year’s levels. Vital programs such as the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Grant, from which Kansas City has benefited greatly, were eliminated entirely.

Congress must pass a robust transportation bill, not one that eliminates this crucial investment. It must do its job to create jobs, help businesses, and make travel more efficient and safe.

There are many challenges ahead. Working together in a civil and respectful way is imperative as we navigate these issues and find solutions that will best serve hardworking Americans. I know in Missouri’s Fifth District transportation and infrastructure are too important to let politics and partisan games get in the way.

Democrats and Republicans all use the same roads, bridges and highways. Businesses need a solid and safe infrastructure to get products where they need to be. Killing jobs at a time when the economy is making a slow, but sure, rebound is unfathomable.  We can no longer kick the can down the road. Billions of dollars and millions of jobs are on the line.