House of Representatives Pass Transportation Bill
On July 20, the US House of Representatives passes a transportation bill that would support initiatives, infrastructure grants, and operational expenses through the United States Department of Transportation.
The bill would allocate $90.9 billion, $9.9 billion more than the enacted level, for the upcoming fiscal year.
“The bill upholds the commitment to respond to transportation needs across all modes, including highways, transit, rail, aviation, bike, and pedestrian projects, and ports,” said Rep. David Price (D-N.C.). He is the chairman of the House transportation funding subcommittee.
“The bill also provides robust funding for our transit infrastructure, including $3 billion for capital investment grants to create new transit routes nationwide and $646 million for transit infrastructure grants to help transit agencies innovate and improve public transit,” Price added.
Bill Details
In addition to the $3 billion for capital investment grants and the $646 million for transit infrastructure grants, the bill would give $367.5 million to FMCSA for safety operations and programs.
- $61.3 billion for Federal Highway Administration
- $18.7 billion for Federal Aviation Administration
- $17.5 billion for Federal Transit Administration
- $3.8 billion for Federal Railroad Administration
- $1.2 billion for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Trucking Policy
The bill also made additions to trucking-related policy. Lawmakers approved a provision to deny funding for enforcing an electronic logging device rule. This rule would have impacted those who are transporting livestock and insects.
House lawmakers also asked FMCSA to complete an annual hour-of-service safety data analysis. They also requested updates on the implementation of a workforce apprenticeship program for truck drivers under 21 years old.
FMCSA was also asked to provide updates on a large truck study as well as details about its information technology operations.
Who opposed the bill?
Most House Republicans opposed the bill during its floor consideration. “At a time when Americans are struggling to pay for gas and groceries, the federal government should be reducing spending,” argued Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas), a member of the appropriations panel. “We should prioritize core responsibilities, such as our national security, and we must cut extravagant social programs.”
Conclusion
This $90.9 billion bill could make way for a lot of good changes in the transportation industry. Only time will tell how these changes will affect us in the long run.
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