Shuster calls for tax reform to fund road construction

GREENCASTLE - Whoever wins the presidential election must be prepared to spend big bucks on the nation’s highways and other infrastructure, according to U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster.

Shuster, R-Everett, and chairman of the House transportation committee, linked lowering the federal business tax to preserving the nation’s Highway Trust Fund.

Shuster spoke Thursday to about 65 people at the Greencastle Antrim Chamber of Commerce breakfast at Blue Heron Events. He later visited Volvo Construction Equipment in Shippensburg and Fulton County Medical Center in McConnellsburg.

County managers ask for more help

Revenue from the federal fuel tax has paid for many of the nation’s roads and bridges, but in recent years the revenue for the trust fund has not kept pace with the need for repairs and improvements. People drive less and their vehicles get better gas mileage.

Shuster called for lower federal taxes on businesses because, “If they get a fair deal on taxes here, they’re going to come here.”

U.S.-based corporations acquiring a company in Europe are likely to move their headquarters there because of tax advantages, he said. PPG of Pittsburgh has an international blended tax rate of 25 percent, but must compete with a Dutch firm that has a blended rate of 15 percent.

Keeping companies based in the U.S. holds onto jobs and tax revenue, he said.

Shuster again called for widening Interstate 81 to six or eight lanes through Pennsylvania. The multi-year transportation act that came through his committee focuses money on projects of regional or national importance. States work with the U.S. Department of Transportation on qualifying projects.

I-81 is of national importance, Shuster said.

“When the sun goes down on 81 you feel like you’re on a railroad,” Shuster said. “Truck after truck after truck. Freight is going to double in the next 20 years. It’s going to get even more congested.”

The Obama administration in each of the past seven years has asked for money to see if another round of military base closures is warranted, Shuster said.

The base commission’s recommendations in the past have impacted the fortunes of Letterkenny Army Depot, Franklin County’s largest employer.

“I don’t want to scare people, but I want to make sure people are on their toes, so if it does happen that were ready for it,” Shuster said.

Shuster also spoke briefly about the presidential election.

“Donald Trump says a lot of things I don’t agree with,” Shuster said. He added that he agrees with Trump on the economy and the world outlook.

“This is the most important election we’ve had in our history” because control of all three branches of government are at stake, Shuster said. The president will select candidates for the Supreme Court, and the Senate will confirm them.

A more liberal court will chip away at American freedoms, he said.

Shuster also called for replacing Obamacare with a market-based health insurance system that is customer friendly.

“Contrary to what you may have heard, I have opposed Obamacare from the day they uttered the word,” Shuster said.

Shuster faces two opponents in his bid for re-election on Nov. 8.

He said he looks at his job in Washington as a small business owner.

“This is not about power,” Shuster said. “This is about service and responsibility.”

He also mention the recent accomplishments of Congress.

“For four years in a row we were able to reduce spending. That hasn’t happened since the Korean War.”

Jim Hook, 717-262-4759