Congressman Barr Votes Against Big Government Highway Bill, Calls for Vote on STARTER Act 2.0

Statement

Washington, D.C.-- U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) voted against the House Democrats big government highway bill today that would impose massive new mandates and Green New Deal spending initiatives. Congressman Barr is calling for Congress to pass H.R. 3341, the Surface Transportation Advanced through Reform, Technology & Efficiency Review (STARTER) Act 2.0. Congressman Barr released the following statement after the vote:

"House Democrats solution for upgrading infrastructure is to restrict the construction of new roads and bridges coupled with massive Green New Deal mandates and spending initiatives. Green New Deal spending such as a $4 billion handout for electric vehicles and a new $8 billion carbon pollution reduction program accounts for $1 of every $2 of spending in the bill. Furthermore, this legislation does nothing to address red-tape bureaucratic delayed project costs, a major cost for infrastructure projects. I oppose this bill and urge my colleagues to do the same.

"Instead, Congress should pass the STARTER Act 2.0. This legislation makes fiscally sound, historic investments in roads, bridges, wastewater infrastructure and broadband expansion. Additionally, STARTER Act 2.0 creates a national Vehicle Miles Traveled pilot program to help find a long-term solution to stabilize the Highway Trust Fund without raising the regressive gas tax. Lastly, the STARTER Act 2.0 cuts government red-tape, streamlines regulations, invests in mitigation efforts and implements a 2-year approval process to reduce avoidable project delay costs."

The STARTER Act 2.0 investment of $400 billion over five years for federal highway, transit and safety programs is the largest percentage increase for these programs in over two decades. The two-year approval process will reduce delayed project costs for major public infrastructure projects, which amount to 20 to 30 percent in total project costs according to some estimates and last an average of six years. Finally, for every $1 spent on mitigation and building more resilient infrastructure through the STARTER Act 2.0, an estimated $4 to $11 can be saved.

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