Finance Panel Democrats Press for Highway Funding Hearing

The 12 Democrats on the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee called on the panel’s chairman to hold a hearing to explore ways for keeping highway programs funded after May.

“As the committee works through this process, we must consider options within our jurisdiction, including new revenues, not spending cuts or authorization changes under the purview of other committees,” wrote the senators, led by ranking member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

“Rather than start from scratch, let’s build on the extensive bipartisan work that has already been done, which can serve as a foundation as we work together to find a solution for a long-term transportation bill,” they said.

Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) has yet to say when he would hold a hearing to consider how to keep the Highway Trust Fund operating through the summer. The Finance Committee and the Ways and Means panel in the House have jurisdiction over the trust fund, which is used by the Department of Transportation to assist states in financing big-ticket construction projects.

Funding authority for highway programs expires May 31, and Republican leaders have yet to present a plan that would ensure federal dollars are available for infrastructure projects.

On April 30, Ways and Means Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) is scheduled to address reporters in Washington at a breakfast hosted by the Christian Science Monitor.