U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ, 8th) today issued the following statement concerning the Senate's failure to pass the "Pay to Play Reform Protection Act" as an amendment offered to the federal Highway Reauthorization bill:

"I am deeply disappointed partisan politics was chosen over good government.  I was proud when this amendment passed in the House and hoped a vote for ethical standards would prevail in the Senate," stated Rep. Pascrell, a member of the House Transportation Committee and original author of the Pay-to-Play Reform Protection Act when it was introduced in January.  "Senators Corzine and Lautenberg made a valiant effort to protect the interests of New Jersey and I commend them for their vigilance."

"Earlier today, the full Senate voted 57 - 40 to table the Corzine amendment, a companion provision to the Pascrell/LoBiondo/Menendez amendment supporting New Jersey's pay-to-play reform law, offered and passed on the House floor in March."

"I am committed to continuing the fight for this law as we go to conference on the Highway Bill.  The Congress must recognize that New Jersey is trying to clean up its act.  Federal intervention to withhold our state's highway funding is completely unjustified and counterproductive.  Our amendment would make clear that states have the right to ensure the best value for taxpayer.  New Jersey should not be penalized for going one step farther to better protect the integrity of government contracts."

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