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(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) spoke on the floor today as the House voted to pass the Restore the Harmony Way Bridge Act (H.R. 3245), which he authored, when the bill was considered by the House of Representatives. The Restore the Harmony Way Bridge Act was passed by the House of Representatives and now awaits further consideration by the United States Senate:

                                                                      

Transcript

“Madam Speaker, it is an honor to rise today in support of the Restore the Harmony Way Bridge Act. The Harmony Way Bridge is a local landmark and was an engineering marvel when it opened in 1930. Throughout the 20th century, the bridge connected Posey County, Indiana with White County, Illinois creating an access point for commerce and recreation for the Hoosiers of New Harmony. Unfortunately, in 2012, the bridge was permanently closed due to safety concerns related to structural issues and while the community has pushed to refurbish and reopen the bridge, until now, federal law has stood in the way. That is why the Restore the Harmony Way Bridge Act is important. It will convey the bridge to the Indiana and Illinois Bridge Authorities and remove the federal conditions set out on the bridge. I am glad to see this bill on the floor today, and I want to give thanks to all those who have helped in this effort. Specifically, I want to thank Lora Arneberg, a prominent New Harmony community figure whose hard work has been invaluable in promoting the bridge restoration. I also want to thank Indiana State Senator Jim Tomes and State Representative Wendy McNamara for their efforts at the state level. Furthermore, I want to thank my friends Congressman Shimkus, Senators Braun and Young, and all the members of the Indiana and Illinois delegations for helping us lead this effort in Congress. The Restore the Harmony Way Bridge Act will breathe life once more into the Harmony Way Bridge. I ask that you join me in this monumental occasion and support this bill.”