Washington, D.C. – Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Ralph M. Hall (R-TX) today praised House passage of a bill to reform and streamline federal transportation programs, particularly noting the important surface transportation research included in the legislation. Chairman Hall and Committee Member Rep. Chip Craavack (R-MN) participated in the Conference Committee that negotiated a final deal on the bill, allowing states to undertake major transportation improvements and create jobs.
Chairman Hall:
At the outset of the Conference, I committed to ensuring that surface transportation and restoration funding is used for its intended purposes. As Chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, I am pleased that the transportation research programs in the reauthorization are focused on enhancing safety, reducing congestion, and improving quality in the transportation system.”
The conference report, which passed the House by a vote of 373-52, will fund federal highway, transit, and highway safety programs at current funding levels through the end of fiscal year 2014. After the Senate approves the measure, expected later today, it will go to the President for his signature.