A provision attached to a stopgap continuing resolution that keeps federal agencies operating through Dec. 20, has stopped a $7.6-billion cut in federal highway funds. The continuing resolution was signed by President Trump.
The measure gained final congressional approval on Nov. 21, when the Senate cleared it on a 74-20 vote. The House approved the bill two days earlier, by a 231-192 vote.
“On behalf of the 50 state departments of transportation, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, that unanimously supported rolling back this rescission, I extend our thanks to the leadership in the House and Senate, committee leaders and their staffs, and the President for removing the threat of disruption and potential delays in the coming construction season,” said Jim Tymon, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials executive director. “The resolution of this issue comes at a time when states are preparing their budgets for the coming construction season, eliminating potential uncertainty that could have delayed important transportation infrastructure investments.”
“We applaud the House and Senate for preventing a $7.6 billion reduction in federal highway funding, ensuring states won’t encounter disruptions to their important infrastructure projects, road improvements and maintenance,” said Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber and our coalition members have advocated for and encouraged Congress to address this issue, and we believe this is a step in the right direction. We urge Congress to continue their efforts to further address the modernization of America’s infrastructure.”