NTU urges all Senators to vote as follows on amendments to H.R. 5021, the Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014:
- “Yes” on Amendment #3585: Toomey (R-PA): This amendment would remove costly regulatory hurdles that slow down the rebuilding process following emergencies by exempting damaged roads, highways, and bridges from cumbersome environmental reviews and permitting requirements.
- “Yes” on Amendment #3584: Lee (R-UT): This amendment, originally introduced as S. 1702, the Transportation Empowerment Act (TEA), is an innovative plan for the devolution of federal authority and funding of infrastructure back to the states (with exceptions for the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways). Under TEA, states would keep the majority of revenue raised through gas taxes and the federal levy would be phased down significantly over five years. This plan would ensure that states and localities can pursue the transportation solutions that best suit the needs of their communities in a more timely and efficient manner as well as provide a long-term solution to ongoing Highway Trust Fund sustainability problems. Roll call votes on Amendment #3584 will be significantly weighted.
Roll call votes the above amendments to H.R. 5021 will be included in our annual Rating of Congress.
If you have any questions, please contact NTU Federal Affairs Manager Nan Swift at (703) 683-5700