The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is scheduled to take up the INVEST in America Act (H.R. 2) June 17 in what will be the committee's first virtual mark up. As of late June 16, more than 200 amendments had been offered by lawmakers, many by Republicans committee members who have said publicly that they were not involved in crafting the bill and that it omits six infrastructure principles adopted by the committee earlier this year. The markup is expected to go on for hours, with Committee members anticipating that it could run into the following day.
View the Live T&I Committee Mark Up June 17 at 10 a.m. here
Republicans plan to offer their own surface transportation legislation titled the STARTER Act. In an editorial published in “The Hill” on June 16, T&I Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO.) said “Democrats have put forward their own costly, heavy-handed, partisan “My Way or the Highway” bill.”
Rep. Sam Graves: Commonsense Infrastructure Legislation Can Help Restart Our Economic Engine
Meanwhile the Trump Administration reportedly is preparing its own infrastructure framework for a $1 trillion infrastructure package focused on transportation projects as part of its push to spur the economy back.
Trump Team Prepares $1 Trillion Infrastructure Bill
In advance of the June 17 Committee hearing, NATSO and a coalition of of industry and government organizations urged Members of Congress to oppose an amendment introduced by Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-Calif.). The amendment would allow electric vehicle charging stations at interstate rest areas, undermining the current prohibition on the sale of goods and services to motorists at rest areas and hurting existing businesses and local governments.
Amendment to House Highway Reauthorization Threatens Business, Discourages Investment in EV Charging
NATSO members may access an in-depth analysis of the INVEST in America Act, which was initially introduced on June 3.
NATSO Analysis: House Transportation Committee Draft Reauthorization Legislation
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