Today the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee starting discussion on the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act, the new Transportation Bill designed to cover all federal transportation funding for the next five year. You can read it HERE if you have time for 847 pages… or you can read the assessment of League of American Bicyclists HERE.
As we discussed in yesterday’s POST there are some major problems in this bill for the people who work on developing cycling and walking infrastructure in this country. Two of the biggest programs that fund biking and walking projects :: Transportation Enhancements and Safe Routes to School :: have been eliminated. This is not good news to anyone who hopes for improved bike facilities or who want to bike or walk to school or work.
Today Rep Tom Petri (R-WI) introduced an amendment to re-instate funding for Transportation Enhancements (TE) and Safe Routes to School (SRTS). It was co-sponsored by Rep Timothy Johnson (R-IL) and Rep Daniel Lipinski (D-IL) and presented to the whole committee. Take a look here at what Rep Peter DeFazio said today about this bill.
Are you as shocked as I am? The statement starts with the confirmation that when asked WHO HAD READ THIS BILL – not a single member raised their hands. I would like to quote him “Not even the chairman has read the bill”. He’s angry and he should be.
After another strong statement from Rep. DeFazio about Safe Routes to School:
What happened after this passionate statement? The committee voted 29-27 against the amendment. Against a strong partisan environment in congress today three Republican members voted for the amendment. Representative Tom Petri (R-WI) and his colleagues Timothy Johnson (R-IL), and Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ) are the first step in making the commitment to keep cycling as a component of transportation as a bi-partisan issue. Thank you.
If the statements coming out of congress today aren’t shocking enough to you – Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said today It’s the worst transportation bill I’ve ever seen during 35 years of public service.” You can read his whole interview with POLITICO HERE. Some other juicy quotes include “This is the most partisan transportation bill I have ever seen”, and “… it is also the most anti-safety bill I Have ever seen. It hollows out our No. 1 priority, which is safety…”
What is the next step here? The Transportation Committee will vote on the bill and move it to the house. At that point all representatives vote on it. If you care about biking and walking in America you should contact your Representative. You can do that by CLICKING HERE and sending an email.
You can attend the National Bike Summit to make your voice heard and meet your Representative.
You can join your local Bicycle Coalition and learn more about what is going on in your own community.
Finally on the same day that Congress seems to believe that American people do not want more access to bikes the Washington DC Bike Share has announced an extension due to overwhelming demand. Figure that one out?
Comments