House Budget Expands States’ Say on Transportation
House Republicans’ budget blueprint unveiled March 17 would enhance states’ control over critical highway projects, and it would establish a reserve fund to develop proposals for bringing surface-transportation legislation to passage.
That long-term highway bill would have to be deficit-neutral, and any transfers to the Highway Trust Fund must be offset in the fiscal year in which they happen.
The budget, unveiled by House Budget Chairman Tom Price (R-Ga.), “recognizes the need to explore innovative financing mechanisms to support surface-transportation infrastructure and safety programs — for example, with further public-private sector partnerships.”
The nonbinding document notes policy objectives for the coming year. Senate budget leaders are expected to release their blueprint this week, and votes on the proposals are possible before the April recess.
