Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee leaders have rolled out a new six-year transportation reauthorization proposal that streamlines and reforms federal programs, expedites the project approval process, maximizes leveraging of limited resources, provides flexibility for states, and ensures long-term funding stability for job-creating transportation programs.

Committee Chairman John L. Mica (R-Fla.) and Committee leaders on July 6 presented a framework for a six-year reauthorization of federal highway, transit and highway safety programs. The multi-modal initiative also incorporates significant policy reforms for rail and maritime transportation.

(For a detailed presentation of the framework, click here.)

“Given U.S. House rules and budget constraints, this proposal maximizes the value of our available infrastructure funding through better leveraging, streamlining the project approval process, attracting private sector investment, and cutting the federal bureaucracy,” Mica said. “Most importantly, this six-year proposal provides the stability states need to plan major transportation improvements and create long-term jobs.

“While some continue to advocate the same old tax-and-spend approach, I prefer a new direction,” Mica continued. “More short-term extensions or a two-year bill are recipes for bankrupting the Highway Trust Fund. These options will cut the legs from under our states and hamper their ability to move forward with many needed, large-scale projects.

“This long-term plan is the only fiscally responsible proposal and will ensure the continued solvency of the Highway Trust Fund,” Mica said.

(To see a video of the proposal rollout, click here.)

Mica and Rep. Duncan also invited Democrat Committee leaders who are asking for higher spending levels to appear with them before the Ways and Means Committee to discuss revenue issues. The Democrats disagree with the Republican proposal’s funding levels calling it, “The Republican Road to Ruin.”