WASHINGTON – Today, Speaker of the House John Boehner appointed Congressman Rick Crawford to serve on a Conference Committee made up of House and Senate members who will be tasked with resolving the differences between the House and Senate Highway Bill extensions.

“Our nation’s crumbling infrastructure cannot be ignored. The House and the Senate must come together to produce a long-term transportation bill to fund vital construction projects. On the Conference Committee I will be a voice for rural interests and will work to ensure that Arkansas and rural America are not forgotten as differences between the House and the Senate are resolved. I am honored Speaker Boehner entrusted me to serve on the committee and I look forward to producing a responsible transportation bill,” said Crawford.

“Congressman Crawford will bring a unique perspective to the Conference Committee. He has shown an ability to work across party lines and he understands rural highway funding needs. Members of the committee will look to Congressman Crawford for input when decisions affecting rural America are made,” said Speaker Boehner.

“As a key member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Congressman Crawford has worked diligently in our efforts to help improve the nation’s infrastructure and reform transportation programs.  I am pleased he has been selected as one of the handful of members responsible for completing a transportation bill that will streamline the bureaucratic project approval process and ensure that state and local projects can move forward expeditiously.”  John L. Mica, Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee