“This is an important first step in implementing a six-year highway plan that will dramatically improve the efficiency and safety of the Nation’s transportation system and stimulate the economy by creating thousands of long-term jobs,” said Highways and Transit Subcommittee Chairman John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-Tenn.). “The plan we are laying out today takes away the red tape and streamlines a process that has become entangled with bureaucracy. I am looking forward to advancing a bill through the full Congress.”

Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) says that the proposal is “a new direction in the transportation reauthorization bill [and] is an important step in the right direction for our nation. This is a bold vision for a reauthorization that focuses on multiple modes, including rail and hazardous materials transportation as well as our highway system. We can do this with America’s rail system at the same time we improve our highways.”

Coast Guard & Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.) is applauding the Committee “for recognizing the critical role the maritime industry plays in the nation’s economy, global commerce, and job creation.”

LoBiondo notes that the important role it plays makes it appropriate to include a maritime title for the first time in the proposed multi-year legislation. “It is our shared goal to improve coordination between agencies and streamline the bureaucratic process to increase efficiency of our marine transportation system,” he said.

While the U.S. economy is fueled by maritime commerce and millions of Americans depend on jobs created by imports, exports, and the commercial shipping industry, Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio) says government red tape has “stifled the flow of commerce and our ability to effectively build and maintain our maritime infrastructure.” Gibbs says the July 6 proposal “cuts through the bureaucratic red tape, streamlines project delivery, eliminates double taxation on shippers, enhances our ports and waterways, and strengthens our economic foundation to help us to compete globally. These reforms are critical as we work to grow our economy and create jobs.”

Highways and Transit Subcommittee Vice-Chair Richard Hanna (R-N.Y.) says that one of the most important aspects of this proposal is that it provides predictability for states and public transit agencies to plan for multi-year projects. “The Stimulus forced states to focus on short-term projects like pavement resurfacing and guard rail replacements,” Hann said. “The long-term certainty provided by a long-term bill empowers states to take on major projects, including bridge replacements, highway interchange improvements, and investment in our nation’s transit systems. These types of projects will provide jobs for years to come and have the potential to have a real impact on the unemployment rate in the construction industry.”

The proposal authorizes nearly $230 billion throughout six years from the Highway Trust Fund for highway, transit, and highway safety programs. These funding levels match current revenue being deposited into the Highway Trust Fund and comply with House rules that do not permit authorization of more funds than those collected.

House Republicans say that Congress will not support a gas tax increase. They say that the proposal does not raise taxes. Without an increase in revenue, other current options, such as a two-year bill, the Administrations’ proposal, or extending expired law at the current funding levels, all lead to the Highway Trust Fund going broke by 2013.