Home T&I Chairman Sam Graves Outlines Spring Agenda
Rep. Sam Graves by Home T&I Republicans by way of YouTube
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Updates to nationwide aviation and pipeline security insurance policies will dominate the upcoming schedule for the transportation panel within the U.S. Home of Representatives.
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.) described his work schedule as “busy and aggressive,” as he directs colleagues to enact “commonsense insurance policies for a extra progressive, resilient and environment friendly transportation and infrastructure community.”
“Looking forward to the following few months, now we have a number of objects that should be reauthorized by the committee. This features a five-year reauthorization of the [Federal Aviation Administration]. We additionally will cross a pipeline security reauthorization and a Coast Guard invoice. As well as, the committee will deal with provide chain challenges and bottlenecks,” the chairman informed colleagues April 18 throughout a listening to to think about infrastructure-centric proposals.
Graves highlighted the panel’s ongoing oversight of 2021’s $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure legislation whereas previewing the rest of the 2023 calendar. As he put it, “All through our busy schedule, we are going to proceed our oversight of the administration to carry it accountable for its insurance policies.”
“We’re wanting on the administration’s implementation of the Infrastructure Funding and Jobs Act to ensure they’re following the legislation. On the finish of the 12 months, we are going to start engaged on a bipartisan Water Assets Improvement Act for 2024, one thing our committee has carried out each two years,” he added. The panel just lately kicked off its consideration of the FAA authorization invoice.
On the listening to, Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.) pressed colleagues to approve his laws designed to dedicate almost $800 million via fiscal 2026 for truck parking tasks. Earlier this 12 months, Costa launched the Safer Highways and Elevated Efficiency for Interstate Trucking (SHIP IT) Act with Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.).
“The SHIP IT Act is a must-pass invoice this Congress because it additionally addresses a key a part of our provide chain — our trucking business. Our nation wants an answer to make sure a secure, dependable trucking workforce,” he stated in an announcement for the committee. “The SHIP IT Act modernizes the system by enhancing the recruitment and retainment of our trucking workforce by modernizing the authority for sure car waivers throughout emergencies, permitting waivers in response to illness and provide chain emergencies; streamlines the business driver’s license course of, and incentivizes new truck drivers to enter the workforce via focused and short-term tax credit.”
Reps. Mike Bost (R-Unwell.) and Angie Craig (D-Minn.)
Shortly after the introduction of the SHIP IT Act, a bipartisan group of lawmakers unveiled the Truck Parking Security Enchancment Act. Sponsored by Reps. Mike Bost (R-Unwell.) and Angie Craig (D-Minn.), the invoice would approve funding to help businesses with increasing parking capability for men and women working vehicles. It additionally would assist requisite enhancements to current parking areas for business autos. General, it might authorize $755 million in aggressive grants over the following few years.
“Our truck drivers play a vital position in preserving our provide chains shifting and intact — and it’s our accountability to ensure they can achieve this safely and effectively,” Craig stated quickly after the invoice’s introduction.
Particular to provide chain modernization efforts, Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) pressed colleagues to extend funds for connectivity tasks. She defined, “As we attempt to compete within the twenty first century, we should guarantee we’re shifting away from twenty first century transportation infrastructure.”
“Worldwide bridges, and significantly land ports in communities like mine, should be modernized to maintain up with the tempo of exponential enhance in commerce from commerce agreements with Mexico and Canada,” she added. “Funding in port modernization will strengthen provide chains, enhance operational capabilities and infrastructure capability, spur financial development, and bolster nationwide safety.”
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