Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
House of Representatives

House GOP Takes the Plunge, Unveils Transportation and Energy Plan Today

UPDATE 12:00: Leaders did not introduce a bill, but outlined their plan in rather vague terms. More to come.

At 11:15 this morning, House Speaker John Boehner, House Transportation Chair John Mica, Natural Resources Chair Doc Hastings (R-WA) and Rep. Steve Stivers (R-OH) will take the podium to unveil their transportation and energy bill. It's likely to take the basic outline of the bill Mica announced in the summer, add enough money (about $15 billion a year) to maintain current spending levels (though not necessarily accounting for inflation, as Sen. Barbara Boxer's bill does) and give some sense, at least, of how they'll pay for that extra $15 billion.

According to Transportation Nation's Todd Zwillich, the leaders will introduce a five-year bill -- not a six-year bill, which Mica had militantly supported, but still much longer than the two-year life span of the Senate bill. Industry officials from trucking, construction, and other sectors have generally supported the longer time horizon in the House bill and the more robust funding levels in the Senate bill. If the House matches those funding levels, that could swing industry support squarely over to the House bill. The major roadblock, of course, is the controversial and unproven way the GOP plans to pay for it.

Democrats will surely balk at the plan to raise transportation money by expanding energy production, but the fossil fuel industry is sure to throw its full weight behind it.

Stivers' presence at the press conference settles speculation as to which oil-drilling-for-infrastructure-money bill the Republicans would choose. It seems Stivers' bill has won out. A Natural Resources subcommittee will hold a hearing on his bill tomorrow.

The plan the GOP leaders announce this morning will set their agenda for the rest of the year. Boehner has already said he wants the bill passed by the end of the year.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

At Least Local Transit Initiatives Won Big in Tuesday’s Election

Last Tuesday's election wasn't all bad news for transit.

November 11, 2024

PUMP THE BRAKES: A Veteran Driving Instructor Laments Rising Dangers on The Road

I’ve seen firsthand over 25 years as a driving instructor and DMV License Examiner that an increasing number of drivers no longer deserve that privilege.

November 11, 2024

Monday’s Headlines Have More Election Fallout

A Republican trifecta in Washington is very bad news for intercity rail, local transit, congestion pricing and (with the exception of Tesla) EVs, analysts say.

November 11, 2024

Analysis: A $9 Congestion Toll In NYC May Stave Off Trump, But Won’t Reduce Traffic as Much

A $9 tollcould raise enough money for the MTA and save face for Kathy Hochul, but it would not reduce traffic nearly enough.

November 8, 2024

Friday’s Headlines Remain Incomplete

Cities and states aren't devoting enough funding to Complete Streets to put much of a dent in the problem.

November 8, 2024
See all posts