Rep. Green votes in favor of Surface Transportation Extension Act

The U.S. House of Representatives voted on H.R. 4348, Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012, which, in part, reauthorized highway and transit programs, extended the national flood insurance program and kept student loan interest rates from rising.

Rep. Gene Green from the 29th Congressional District of Texas voted in favor of this bill.

"I was extremely pleased that Democrats and Republicans came to a bipartisan agreement on this crucial reauthorization bill since there are many provisions that are important to our nation and our community," Green said in a press release. "The reauthorization of the flood insurance program through 2017 is critical for homeowners in low-lying areas like Houston and East Harris County. The RESTORE fund will also provide significant benefits to our area to help with environmental restoration after the Deepwater Horizon spill. Students will continue to have access to low interest rates, and the Highway Trust Fund will be adequately funded so important highway projects across the country will continue."

The bill also establishes a Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund, allowing 80 percent of the penalties paid by the parties responsible for the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill to be distributed to Gulf Coast states for environmental restoration.

Bill H.R. 4348 passed by a vote of 373 to 52.