On June 4^th, Rep. John Olver (D-MA) led the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies’ questioning of Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. LaHood focused on putting funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to work quickly, the role that properly-maintained transportation systems will play in economic growth, and – above all – the need to prioritize safety in all transportation decisions and development. See Lahood’s testimony

Rep. Olver commended the Secretary’s identification of the most pressing transportation problems, including infrastructure needs and aviation issues, as well as the Secretary’s efforts in utilizing recovery dollars. See more info on DOT stimulus funds here.

However, Rep. Olver scolded the Secretary for his vagueness regarding solutions to the above problems, especially in terms of funding. Both Rep. Olver and Ranking Member Rep. Latham (R-IA) expressed concern that the current budget lacks provisions for essential transportation programs. LaHood stated that, no matter the need for increased funding, the administration will not increase the gas tax at this time; people are driving less, which hampers the already-hurting Highway Trust Fund, but creative solutions such as tolling and private public partnerships can and will mitigate funding issues. See more info about the Highway Trust Fund here.

Representatives Rodriguez (D-TX), LaTourette (R-OH) and Roybal-Allard (D-CA) asked the Secretary about the expansion of high-speed rail. Rep. LaTourette was interested in the criteria for evaluating proposals, while Rep. Roybal-Allard wanted to ensure the projects would not negatively impact small communities.

Rep. LaTourette offered a scathing criticism of the Auto Task Force, stating its members are not serving the President adequately.

This week the Senate holds a hearing on the Transportation Department’s Budget. We expect the House subcommittee and full committee mark-ups of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development following the July 4^th congressional recess.