House members opposed transportation bill

Three of Kansas’ four U.S. House members – Reps. Mike Pompeo, R-Wichita; Tim Huelskamp, R-Fowler/Hutchinson; and Kevin Yoder, R-Overland Park – voted against the new federal transportation bill, which President Obama signed last week after Congress approved it with large bipartisan majorities, the Topeka Capital-Journal reported. Pompeo complained that the $305 billion bill “increases spending through unrealistic funding gimmicks that will ultimately never be realized.” He also objected that it reauthorized the federal Export-Import Bank, which helps finance purchases of U.S.-made exports, particularly aircraft. Rep. Lynn Jenkins, R-Topeka, and Sens. Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran voted for the transportation bill, which Moran said will “help address deteriorating infrastructure.” – Phillip Brownlee

This story was originally published December 7, 2015 at 1:45 PM.