Issue Position: Transportation

Issue Position

Our railways, roads, and bridges are lifelines to our economy. With the Port of Virginia right in our backyard, it is critical that we invest in our infrastructure so our region can continue building and growing. Our roads and bridges are also part of the fabric of our daily lives, which is why we need to address congestion and costly tolling.

Create a long-term strategy for retooling our transportation infrastructure. Our manufacturing companies in Hopewell, farmers in Amelia, paper mill in Franklin, and warehouse and distribution facilities in Chesapeake rely on our network of roads and bridges to move the products that make us competitive around the globe. Strengthening transportation is strengthening the economy (Read, here).

Cut back on red tape. We need to address the maze of regulations that are hindering the successful and efficient completion of transportation projects across the nation. Let's reintroduce common sense back into the system. (Read about the FAST Act, here).

Oppose tolls on Interstate 95. Since 2010, I've opposed the addition of costly tolls to the I-95 corridor south of Richmond. I've sent letters to Governor McDonnell and the Federal Highway Administration expressing my strong opposition to the Virginia Department of Transportation's (VDOT) Interstate 95 (I-95) Corridor Improvement Program, which includes the installation of tolling stations in Sussex and potentially other parts of Southside Virginia.

Become a nation that builds again. I introduced the 414 Plan, which seeks to put Americans to work, and build roads and bridges in 414 days, rather than the current average of 13 years. Here's how it works:

*Halt all red tape regulation stifling road and bridge projects.

*Keep regulations pertaining to safety and durability.

*Jumpstart efficiency in road and bridge projects.

*Allow immediate job impact and improve infrastructure.

Prioritize key transportation initiatives in Virginia. Whether it's supporting building the Deep Creek bridge replacement in Chesapeake, deepening the channels at the Port of Virginia, or designating the Norfolk to Raleigh corridor as a future interstate, investing in and improving our transportation infrastructure in Virginia is a job I take seriously (Read H.R. 2211).

Support the Port of Virginia. Virginia's ports are supported by a highly effective inland transportation system, from ground transportation to rail. We need to focus on addressing increased cargo traffic and making appropriate preparations for increased international shipping, trade, and transport so the Port can continue to create jobs and grow our economy. (Read about my support for high priority freight projects, here, and my continued support for the Craney Island Eastward Expansion at the Port of Virginia, here.)

Reform our nation's railroad infrastructure. I've supported critical reforms to our nation's passenger rail system and called for regulatory relief for the freight rail industry, which supports millions of jobs and moves billions of dollars in cargo each year.

Founder and Co-Chairman of the Panama Canal Expansion Caucus, which focuses on assessing the impact that the expansion, which represents one of the largest construction projects in the world, will have on U.S. ports and inland infrastructure.

Member of the Congressional Motorcycle and Bike Caucus and the General Aviation Caucus.

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