House Republicans roll out “Commitment to America” plan

Written by Liz Carey
Published by Transportation Today

On Tuesday, House Republicans announced their “Commitment to America” framework that outlines their legislative plan for rebuilding the American economy through a five-year investment in infrastructure.

Under the plan, Republicans committed to a five-year surface transportation reauthorization to fix American surface transportation infrastructure, while reducing the project permitting process.

“House Republicans understand the importance of a modern infrastructure to every state in America and our economy, which is why the ‘Commitment to America’ includes a five-year surface transportation reauthorization,” said Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO), the ranking member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. “This critical long-term bill will be based on the STARTER Act, which Committee Republicans introduced earlier this year once it became clear that a bipartisan surface transportation bill was not in Speaker Pelosi’s plans.

The Starter Act focuses on ensuring state flexibility, streamlining project processes, prioritizing core programs and functions of existing federal surface transportation programs, incorporating innovative development into infrastructure, providing for rural infrastructure needs, and addressing long-term sustainability of the Highway Trust Fund.

“The STARTER Act is a commonsense transportation reauthorization and a stark contrast from the Democrats’ bill that prioritizes their far-left agenda rather than helping restore American’s infrastructure,” said Rep. Rick Crawford (R-AR), ranking member on the house Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. “Transportation workers need certainty, states need flexibility, and Americans need a Highway Trust Fund that is sustainable. This legislation delivers on these needs and secures the future of our Nation’s transit systems.”