Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In

A small but bipartisan group of lawmakers today sent a letter to the leaders of the House Transportation Committee, urging them to act quickly to pass a bill with adequate funding to meet the country’s needs -- “higher than or at least equal to the current funding level.”

Bike-commuting Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) calls transpo funding levels in Paul Ryan's budget proposal "disastrously stingy." Photo: ##http://www.sfgate.com/blogs/images/sfgate/green/2009/01/14/profile_45.jpg##SF Gate##

Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Steven LaTourette (R-OH), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Mike Simpson (R-ID) signed on to the letter [PDF]. Twenty-five senators sent a similar letter two weeks ago.

“Congress’ inability to pass a new authorization in the last 20 months has created great uncertainty in the transportation community, resulting in a slowdown of transportation activities across the nation,” the House members wrote in today's letter.

They added that transportation infrastructure is one of the most cost-efficient and effective ways to reduce unemployment and stimulate the economy.

In a statement, Blumenauer called the funding levels proposed in Paul Ryan’s budget “disastrously stingy.” He said they “do not meet the minimum levels required to keep America’s transportation network safe and our economy competitive.”

LaTourette played it safer in his comment, focusing not on funding levels but timing. “We can’t keep putting this bill on the back burner and leave states in limbo,” he said. “We need a robust bill if we’re truly serious about rebuilding America, and creating jobs.”

Republican Simpson followed LaTourette’s lead, adding, “If we intend to remain competitive on the world stage, we must maintain a system that transports goods and people safely and efficiently.”

Their focus on jobs is timely, as the Senate EPW Committee today released new numbers quantifying state-by-state job losses if transportation is underfunded.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

‘A Direct Attack’: Top Dem on House Transport Committee Slams Trump’s Green Infrastructure Clawback

The Trump administration's attempts to claw back already-awarded grants for active transportation are on questionable legal footing, the top transportation Democrat says – and he won't stop fighting to save pedestrian and cyclist lives.

March 18, 2025

No Earmarks in Tuesday’s Headlines

The continuing resolution Congress passed last week cedes more power on transportation and other spending to the Trump administration.

March 18, 2025

Vandals Attack Great Highway Park

Echoing the national trend, a contingent of anti-Prop. K folks have decided to reject democratic process.

March 17, 2025

Op-Ed: Anti-Speeding Technology Could Have Saved My Son

A new Washington state bill could help end speeding. And similar bills are spreading across the country.

March 17, 2025

What Will ‘Safe Streets and Road For All’ Mean Under Sec. Duffy?

Last week, Secretary Duffy directed staff to start the process of clawing back millions in discretionary dollars for bike lanes. How will he spend it instead?

March 17, 2025
See all posts