The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has scheduled a markup on June 24 of legislation that would reauthorize highway programs.
The Developing a Reliable and Innovative Vision for the Economy, or DRIVE, Act would propose spending levels from the Highway Trust Fund as well as provisions related to highway safety construction programs.
On June 23, committee Chairman Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and ranking member Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) will hold a press conference on Capitol Hill to introduce the bill.
Notwithstanding the upcoming markup, the tax policy leader in the House, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), has indicated it is likely Congress will opt to approve a short-term funding extension for highway programs. Transportation funding authority expires July 31.
Last year, when Boxer chaired the EPW panel, committee members passed a $265 billion, six-year transportation bill that would have required states to spend some of their federal highway money on projects that improve freight mobility. Congress adjourned without advancing the bill beyond committee.
The June 24 markup is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m.
