Carper’s Statement on FHWA’s 2025 Budget & Infrastructure Law Hearing
TL/DR –
The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing on the Federal Highway Administration’s proposed budget for 2025 and its execution of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. Chairman Tom Carper praised the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for enabling transformative investments in the nation’s roads and bridges, citing several examples of projects it has funded. He also discussed the Federal Highway Administration’s challenges, including climate change, road safety, and congestion, and expressed hope for continued progress towards reducing emissions, improving infrastructure resilience, and making roads safer.
Senate EPW Committee Reviews FHWA Fiscal 2025 Budget and Inflation Reduction Act
On June 5, 2024, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing reviewing the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) proposed 2025 budget and its execution of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.
Chairman Tom Carper’s Opening Statement
Chairman Tom Carper welcomed Shailen Bhatt, the Federal Highway Administration’s Administrator, emphasizing his gratitude for Bhatt’s service and contribution to the committee. He stressed the importance of the FHWA in maintaining a world-class highway system, conducting oversight of its upcoming fiscal budget, and implementing the pivotal legislation.
Carper highlighted the transformational impact of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, marking it as the largest investment in roads and bridges since the Interstate Highway System’s construction. He underscored how the law has enabled the FHWA to make significant investments in the country’s infrastructure.
According to the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, over $128 billion has been invested in infrastructure projects, creating thousands of jobs in the process. These projects range from addressing congestion and safety issues to restoring floodplain areas and reducing wildlife vehicle collisions.
The Chairman also referenced the Inflation Reduction Act, which introduced three new programs at the FHWA. These initiatives aim to reconnect communities and neighborhoods, promote the use of lower-carbon construction materials, and expedite environmental review processes for transportation projects.
Addressing Challenges and Future Progress
Despite recent progress, Carper acknowledged the challenges ahead for the FHWA, including the rebuilding of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge. He expressed hope for continued collaboration with Congress, federal agencies, and local leaders in recovery efforts and infrastructure rebuilding.
Highlighting the FHWA’s role in combating climate change, Carper praised the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s inclusion of the first-ever climate title in a surface transportation law. This resulted in the creation of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, which provides $7.5 billion for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Additionally, the Inflation Reduction Act established the Low-Carbon Transportation Materials Grants Program, incentivizing the use of lower-emitting construction materials. Carper stressed the importance of addressing supply chain bottlenecks and improving road safety.
Lastly, the Chairman confirmed the hearing as an opportunity to review the implementation and impact of the major laws, with input from Administrator Bhatt.
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