| THE RUNWAY: SEPTEMBER RECAP |
| In this Issue: | ||||||
|
| T&I APPROVES BIPARTISAN PIPES ACT OF 2025 | |
The Promoting Innovation in Pipeline Efficiency and Safety (PIPES) Act of 2025 was passed by T&I on September 17, 2025. The bipartisan bill reauthorizes the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA’s) pipeline safety programs for the next four years and provides an efficient, effective framework to advance the safety of U.S. energy infrastructure. Introduced by bipartisan committee leaders, the bill strengthens PHMSA’s safety mission, promotes transparency and collaboration, and supports innovation in energy infrastructure and emerging fuel technologies. “The PIPES Act strikes the right balance between innovation, safety, and ensuring our nation remains a global leader in the production and exportation of energy,” said Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO). The PIPES Act of 2025 also has the support of many pipeline safety stakeholders. Read more about the markup here.
|
|
|
|
|
| FEMA ACT OF 2025 AND COUNTER-UAS BILLS APPROVED BY T&I | |
|
T&I approved the Fixing Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act of 2025 on September 3rd, marking the most significant reform of FEMA and federal disaster assistance programs in decades. The bill streamlines disaster response and recovery efforts, reinstates FEMA as a cabinet-level agency directly accountable to the President, rewards effective state and local preparedness, protects taxpayers, reduces bureaucracy, and ensures relief is fast, fair, and free from political bias. Introduced by bipartisan committee leaders, the legislation aims to enhance the nation’s emergency management system. Numerous emergency management stakeholders have offered support for the FEMA Act.
T&I Approves Bipartisan Bill to Reauthorize and Reform Counter-UAS Authorities On September 3rd, T&I approved the bipartisan Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act, to reauthorize, reform, and responsibly expand counter-unmanned aircraft system (counter-UAS) authorities for DHS and DOJ. Introduced by leaders from the T&I, Homeland Security, and Judiciary Committees, the bill enhances interagency coordination, sets standards for counter-UAS training, and launches the first-ever Counter-UAS Mitigation Law Enforcement Pilot Program. It also supports state and local law enforcement efforts to protect major upcoming events like the FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics, and strengthens counter-UAS operations at critical infrastructure and airports. More information about the legislation can be found here. |
|
| FLOOR ACTIVITY | |
|
This month, the House of Representatives passed seven bills introduced by freshmen members of T&I. These measures include legislation to address critical storage and management needs for aviation safety materials, introduced by Rep. Tony Wied (R-WI), and legislation introduced by Rep.Tom Barett (R-MI) to expand career opportunities for veterans in the transportation sector. Rep. Bob Onder (R-MO) and Rep. Jefferson Shreve (R-IN) introduced separate bills that would improve the efficiency and use of federal buildings and courthouses. Rep. Mike Kennedy’s (R-UT) bill improves safety in federal buildings. Additional bills introduced by Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-PA) and Rep. Dave Taylor (R-OH) aim to strengthen oversight and transparency in water resources programs and focus on improving access to water resources programs for rural communities. Read more about the legislation passed here. |
|
|
|
|
| SUBCOMMITTEE ACTIVITY | |
|
Following the recent murder of Iryna Zarutska on Charlotte’s light rail system, leaders from T&I underscored the need for immediate action to make transit systems safer and rebuild public trust at a Highways and Transit Subcommittee roundtable. The discussion included transit and law enforcement officials and focused on identifying actionable solutions to address the rise in crime on public transit, which has worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid the increase of violent crimes on transit systems, the Committee is working on a bipartisan surface transportation reauthorization bill aimed at ensuring transit systems are safe, reliable, and effective for communities of all sizes. More information about the roundtable can be found here.
Water Resources Development Acts Implementation: Review and Oversight of Past Provisions The Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee held a hearing to assess the implementation of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) projects and policies authorized under past Water Resources Development Acts (WRDAs), including WRDA 2024. The hearing focused on evaluating implementation progress and ensuring accountability in carrying out these legislative directives. “My goal as Chairman of the Subcommittee is to get the Corps to complete its projects on time, under budget, and correctly,” said Subcommittee Chairman Mike Collins (R-GA). Witnesses highlighted both the progress made and ongoing challenges related to project delays, cost, and maintenance backlogs. More information about the hearing can be found here. |
|
| MEMBERS SPOTLIGHT |
|
On September 17th, the Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee approved H.R. 4183, the Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization Act of 2025—a bipartisan bill introduced by Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD). This legislation strengthens protections for American shippers and carriers by addressing unfair practices of foreign-flagged ocean carriers and authorizes funding for the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) for fiscal years 2026 through 2029.
As South Dakota’s sole representative, Rep. Johnson has remained a strong advocate for strengthening America’s supply chains, as well as highway, manufacturing, and transit policy. He also serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the Select Committee on China.
|
Rep. Tom Barrett (R-MI), a freshman member of Congress and a U.S. Army veteran with 22 years of service, recently introduced H.R. 3055 — the Transitioning Retiring and New Service Members to Port, Ocean, Rail, and Truck (TRANSPORT) Jobs Act. This important legislation, which passed the House on September 8th, aims to provide veterans with a pathway to transportation jobs while also tackling labor shortages in the freight and logistics sectors and addressing ongoing supply chain challenges.
The bill establishes a U.S. Department of Transportation-led “Veteran to Supply Chain Jobs Action Plan.” This initiative will conduct a thorough review of the unique obstacles that may hinder service members’ transition into supply chain careers. It will explore common challenges faced by veterans and their spouses, regulatory and operational hurdles experienced by employers, and industry trends that could deter veterans from pursuing these vital roles.
hi
State of Gold Podcast: Congressman Fong Talks California's Energy Crisis on State of Gold Podcast
Circleville Herald: US Congressman Dave Taylor applauds passage of his Water Resources Bill
Duluth News Tribune: Stauber bill to support mental health of pilots, air traffic controllers passes House
FOX News: Iryna Zarutska stabbing fuels transit safety overhaul talks in House
hi
|
