House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Organizes for the 112th Congress

Yesterday the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held their organizational meeting to approve the Committee rules and oversight plan, as well as subcommittee chairs, ranking members and membership assignments.  Chairman John Mica (R-Fla.) and Ranking Member Nick Rahall (D-W.V.)  pledged to continue running the Committee in a bipartisan manner.  The Chairman and Ranking Member also agreed on a proposed schedule where they would move the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization (which is on its 17^th extension) before the Surface Transportation Reauthorization.  However, Chairman Mica has stated he would like to move the surface bill before the August recess. The Committee also approved an Oversight Plan for the 112^th Congress that includes, among other things, a list of highway, transit and water infrastructure objectives.  Many of the objectives are in line with AGC positions.  Specifically, the Committee intends to streamline project delivery, consolidate and eliminate some federal transportation programs, examine the federal role in transportation, and improve performance and accountability in surface transportation programs. The Committee will also look to close the current funding gap in the Highway Trust Fund by continuing to determine the proper role innovative financing and private investment will play in financing projects.  In addition, the Committee will continue its efforts from last Congress to identify unobligated surface transportation funding, as well as conduct oversight on major highway and transit construction projects that have experienced significant cost overruns. In terms of funding for water infrastructure, the Committee will conduct oversight of wastewater treatment and water pollution control funding issues, including levels and sources of funding and management of grant and loan programs; wastewater security; and infrastructure needs.  Innovative ways to finance water infrastructure projects will also be a priority of the Committee.  AGC will work closely with the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to ensure that their legislative and oversight agenda has a positive impact on the construction industry. For more information, contact Sean O’Neill at (202) 547-8892 or oneills@agc.org.