TRANSPORTATION: Build America Caucus Priorities Pass out of Committee in Major Reauthorization

Caucus demanded inclusion of key priorities to cut red tape and speed up transportation project delivery

Modal parity for transit agency projects, categorical exclusions passed out of committee

WASHINGTON – Today, Build America Caucus Chair Josh Harder (CA-09) announced that key Caucus priorities cleared the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee last night. Following the Caucus’ demands to cut red tape and speed up project delivery, last week’s markup advanced reforms to finish transit agency projects faster and cheaper while streamlining environmental reviews for low-impact projects.

“It’s insane how often it takes longer to permit a transit project than it does to build it,” said Chair Harder. “We’ve made it way too hard to build the things we need, and these reforms are a huge step towards changing that by getting transit projects finished faster. The Build America Caucus will continue working to pass these reforms into law alongside additional pro-growth policies that unlock America’s full potential.”

Build America Caucus priorities included in reauthorization legislation:

• Modal Parity in Permitting – Allows transit agencies to conduct preliminary work, such as buying land, just like highway projects, reducing costs and speeding delivery.
• Environmental Review – Speeds up the delivery of low-impact projects by streamlining NEPA categorical exclusions. 

The Build America Caucus looks forward to continuing to push for the inclusion of additional caucus priorities in the bill as it makes its way to the floor.

###