Maloney’s Transportation Measures in House’s INVEST in America Act Pass Through Committee, Head to House Floor

Last week, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a 24-hour mark-up of the Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America (INVEST in America) Act, a bold legislative package that will invest $500 billion over the next five years to expand, rebuild and replace America’s failing infrastructure. Rep. Maloney announced several of his priorities and amendments, including his Bridge Investment Act and amendments supporting scenic byways and a provision to protect our national security from Chinese threats against future infrastructure projects, were included in the base text of the bill. The bill now moves to the House floor for a vote, which is expected as early as next week.

Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18), a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Chair of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, released the following statement after the INVEST in America Act passed out of committee:

“Since day one, I’ve worked to strengthen the Hudson Valley’s infrastructure and invest in projects that will create jobs and fix our failing roads and bridges. I’m proud that my amendments and bills were included in the INVEST in America Act, and look forward to passing the bill soon,” said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney. “At a time when our economy and communities need a jumpstart, this bill will go a long way toward improving the infrastructure families in the Hudson Valley rely on every day.”

Amendments and bills of Rep. Maloney’s were included in this massive infrastructure package, including legislation to:

Repair our roads and bridges: The INVEST in America Act will dedicate an estimated $12.1 billion to fix New York’s federal highways. Rep. Maloney’s bill, the Bridge Investment Act, is also included in this bill. The Bridge Investment Act will dedicate $28 billion to repair America’s 47,000+ structurally-deficient bridges.

Support Scenic Byways: Rep. Maloney’s amendment renewing the National Scenic Byways Program was included in the INVEST in America Act. This bill will restore the program – which saw funding lapse in 2012. His amendment would reauthorize the program for the next five years and provide millions in funds to communities across this country to support scenic byways and the tourism they support.

Protect our National Security: The Chinese government has made brazen efforts to undermine the United States economy and our national security through Chinese State-Owned Enterprises, or SOEs. The Chinese see major transportation and infrastructure projects as an opportunity to expand the country’s reach into U.S. infrastructure, supply chains, and markets. Rep. Maloney’s amendment would ban Chinese State-Owned Enterprises from receiving taxpayer-funded highway, transit and rail dollars.

Creates Equity in Transit Project Investment: Rep. Maloney’s amendment to create more equity for underserved communities in the Federal Transit Administration’s “Small Starts” grant program was included in the INVEST in America Act, which will make transit projects in the Hudson Valley more competitive.

Additional Background on the INVEST in America Act:

The INVEST in America Act is a major component of House Democrats' Moving Forward Framework. The bill will:

  • Tackle the massive backlog of roads, bridges, transit, and rail systems in need of repair or replacement.
  • This bill would invest $319 billion in new federal highway funds, with an estimated $12.1 billion going to New York.
  • Dedicate funding for large transportation projects that reduce congestion, like Gateway.
  • Help build new, resilient infrastructure designed to withstand the impacts of climate change and extreme weather.
  • Design streets that are safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
  • This bill expands funding for the Transportation Alternatives Program, which supports the construction of projects like the proposed Hudson Fjord Trail.
  • Increase funding for public transit in urban, suburban, and rural areas.
  • Reduce carbon pollution and invest in green technologies and innovations in the transportation sector.
  • Invest in our rail system to make rail transit more reliable, while also enhancing rail worker and passenger safety, and helping communities address grade crossing issues.
  • This bill provides over $105 billion in federal transit funds, supporting new fixed and elevated rail projects. The bill also reauthorizes the Federal Railroad Administration’s grant program, which supports local rail safety and expansion projects in the Hudson Valley.
  • Improve access to federal transportation funding to help all communities undertake transformative infrastructure and transportation projects.
  • The bill would briefly eliminate the state-federal match, ensuring that all federal dollars offered in 2021 would be offered at 100% federal share.

Read more about the INVEST in America Act here.

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Submitted by Brewster, NY

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