U.S. House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI-1) Tuesday released the Fiscal Year 2015 House Republican Budget proposal, which contains concepts from U.S. Rep. Tom Graves’ (R-GA-14) Transportation Empowerment Act. Specifically, the Ryan Budget calls for providing states more flexibility to fund their own highway projects and recommends a pilot program for states to take control of highway funding and opt out of the federal gas tax.
"The Transportation Empowerment Act is about building better roads, cutting commute time and improving people’s lives,” said Rep. Graves. “I thank Chairman Ryan for including this concept in his new budget proposal and look forward to building more national support for a transportation reform plan that puts commuters first and Washington last.
“I support Chairman Ryan’s budget because, in addition to advocating for more state control of highway funding, it contains bold reforms that provide security and improve the quality of life for families across the country. This budget envisions a free and prosperous America, as the deficit becomes a surplus through spending reform, paychecks get bigger and jobs get better through tax reform, and more people are trained for the workforce under a new anti-poverty agenda. It keeps our country’s promises to seniors and provides new opportunities for future generations. It also repeals Obamacare and clears the way for health care freedom and choice.”
Click here to learn more about Rep. Graves’ Transportation Empowerment Act.
Visit budget.house.gov for Fiscal Year 2015 House GOP Budget Resolution resources, summaries and graphs. The transportation reform pilot program is mentioned on page 45 of the Budget Resolution.