Press Releases

Statement of Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO) following today’s House vote on the Budget Reconciliation Resolution:

“Last Congress, we worked in bipartisan fashion to provide multiple COVID relief packages for all Americans, including critical assistance for the transportation sector.  Working together, we were able to get relief out the door and do so in a way to best help America.

“Congress has authorized more than $113 billion to ensure that transportation industry workers stay employed and that businesses can survive and eventually bounce back. We’ve also provided nearly $50 billion for federal disaster and economic development programs.  So, there is no need to rush the process before we see how recent funding affects the industries and workers who look to this Committee for support.

“But instead of continuing to work together, the Majority is rushing ahead in a partisan way – the exact opposite approach pledged by President Biden.  Congress must first ensure that the billions we’ve already authorized get into the hands of its intended recipients and see the results and potential gaps. However, the Speaker is once again directing the committees to pursue a closed process without even a chance for bipartisanship.  It’s the same ‘my way or the highway’ approach that we have seen too many times before.

“Amid reported signs of economic improvement, we owe it to the American people to ensure that the next steps we take are targeted to where it is most needed.

“I hope today’s action in the House will not become a sign of growing partisan action in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.  Our past accomplishments for the American people have come as the result of bipartisanship, and I believe that working across the aisle is what we need to remain on the path to successful recovery.”