    [Senate Hearing 116-138]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]

                                                        S. Hrg. 116-138

                                BUSINESS MEETING

    =======================================================================

                                    MEETING

                                   BEFORE THE

                                  COMMITTEE ON
                          ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS

                              UNITED STATES SENATE

                         ONE HUNDRED SIXTEENTH CONGRESS

                                 FIRST SESSION

                                   __________

                                 JULY 30, 2019

                                   __________

      Printed for the use of the Committee on Environment and Public Works

    [GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

            Available via the World Wide Web: http://www.govinfo.gov

                                   __________

                        U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
    39-585 PDF                  WASHINGTON : 2020

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    [[Page (ii)]]

                   COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS

                         ONE HUNDRED SIXTEENTH CONGRESS

                                 FIRST SESSION

                        JOHN BARRASSO, Wyoming, Chairman
    JAMES M. INHOFE, Oklahoma            THOMAS R. CARPER, Delaware,
    SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West Virginia      Ranking Member
    KEVIN CRAMER, North Dakota           BENJAMIN L. CARDIN, Maryland
    MIKE BRAUN, Indiana                  BERNARD SANDERS, Vermont
    MIKE ROUNDS, South Dakota            SHELDON WHITEHOUSE, Rhode Island
    DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska                 JEFF MERKLEY, Oregon
    JOHN BOOZMAN, Arkansas               KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND, New York
    ROGER WICKER, Mississippi            CORY A. BOOKER, New Jersey
    RICHARD SHELBY, Alabama              EDWARD J. MARKEY, Massachusetts
    JONI ERNST, Iowa                     TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois
                                         CHRIS VAN HOLLEN, Maryland

                  Richard M. Russell, Majority Staff Director
                  Mary Frances Repko, Minority Staff Director

                                C O N T E N T S

                                  ----------
                                                                       Page

                                 JULY 30, 2019
                               OPENING STATEMENTS

    Barrasso, Hon. John, U.S. Senator from the State of Wyoming......     1
    Carper, Hon. Thomas R., U.S. Senator from the State of Delaware..     3
    Capito, Hon. Shelley Moore, U.S. Senator from the State of West
      Virginia.......................................................     5
    Cardin, Hon. Benjamin L., U.S. Senator from the State of Maryland     7
    Boozman, Hon. John, U.S. Senator from the State of Arkansas......    11
    Ernst, Hon. Joni, U.S. Senator from the State of Iowa............    12
    Rounds, Hon. Mike, U.S. Senator from the State of South Dakota...    12
    Duckworth, Hon. Tammy, U.S. Senator from the State of Illinois...    13
    Braun, Hon. Mike, U.S. Senator from the State of Indiana.........    14
    Van Hollen, Hon. Chris, U.S. Senator from the State of Maryland..   104
    Whitehouse, Hon. Sheldon, U.S. Senator from the State of Rhode
      Island.........................................................   106

                                  LEGISLATION

    Text of S. 1992, To amend the FAST Act to repeal a rescission of
      funds..........................................................    79
    Amendments to S. 2302, America's Transportation Infrastructure
      Act:
        Carper Amendment #1--To establish set-asides for competitive
          grants under the PROTECT grant program.....................    81
        Inhofe Amendment #1--To make certain marine highway corridor
          projects eligible projects under the INFRA grant program...    84
        Revised Duckworth Amendment #2--To require a study of impacts
          on roads from self-driving vehicles........................    87
        Revised Merkley Amendment #3--To modify the invasive plant
          elimination program........................................    91
        Revised Van Hollen Amendment #3--To modify provisions
          relating to funding for surface transportation system
          funding alternatives.......................................    92
    URL to the final version of S. 2302, America's Transportation
      Infrastructure Act, as reported by the Senate Committee on
      Environment and Public Works...................................    94
    Committee Resolutions:
        Alteration, Consolidated Activities Program, Various
          Buildings. PCA-0001-MU18...................................    95
        Alteration, Consolidated Activities Program, Various
          Buildings. PCA-0001-MU19...................................    96
        Alteration, Seismic Mitigation Program, Various Buildings.
          PSE-0001-MU18..............................................    97
        Lease, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC. PDC-02-WA18    98
        Lease, Social Security Administration, Falls Church, VA. PVA-
          03-FC20....................................................   100
        Lease, U.S. Department of the Treasury, Bureau of the Fiscal
          Service, Parkersburg, WV. PWV-01-PA19......................   102

                                BUSINESS MEETING

                                  ----------

                             TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2019

                                           U.S. Senate,
                     Committee on Environment and Public Works,
                                                        Washington, DC.
        The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 9:09 a.m. in room
    406, Dirksen Senate Building, Hon. John Barrasso (Chairman of
    the Committee) presiding.
        Present: Senators Barrasso, Carper, Inhofe, Capito, Cramer,
    Braun, Rounds, Boozman, Wicker, Shelby, Ernst, Cardin,
    Whitehouse, Merkley, Duckworth, and Van Hollen.

               OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. JOHN BARRASSO,
                 U.S. SENATOR FROM THE STATE OF WYOMING

        Senator Barrasso. Good morning. I call this business
    meeting to order.
        Today we are going to consider two bills and six General
    Services Administration resolutions. Senator Carper and I have
    agreed that we will actually begin voting at 9:45. At that time
    I will call up the items on the agenda.
        So we are not going to debate the items on the agenda while
    we are voting. Instead, we will debate the items on the agenda
    before we begin voting.
        I would also be happy to recognize any members who still
    wish to speak after the voting concludes.
        This morning, we will consider two pieces of legislation.
    The first is a Barrasso-Carper-Capito-Cardin substitute
    amendment to S. 2302, which is America's Transportation
    Infrastructure Act.
        We will also take up S. 1992, which is a bill that I have
    introduced along with Ranking Member Carper to repeal a $7.6
    billion rescission in the Federal Aid Highway Program contract
    authority. I introduced America's Transportation Infrastructure
    Act along with our fellow leaders on the Environment and Public
    Works Committee, Ranking Member Carper, as well as Senators
    Capito and Cardin, who chair and rank on the Transportation
    Subcommittee. The legislation, as modified by the substitute
    amendment by the four of us, will make a historic investment in
    our roads, will cut Washington red tape, it will keep
    communities safe, and will help continue to grow America's
    economy.
        The bill authorizes $287 billion from the Highway Trust
    Fund over the next 5 years. This is the most substantial
    highway infrastructure legislation in history. Of that money,
    $259 billion, or 90 percent of the money, will go directly to
    our roads and bridges

    [[Page 2]]

    through the Highway Formula Funding, a program that has
    successfully worked in our States across the country.
        Formula funding gives each State the flexibility to address
    their specific surface transportation needs. By distributing
    the funding through this formula, the legislation will help
    every State in the Nation and keep projects moving ahead. It is
    good for rural areas, it is good for urban communities, it is
    good across the country.
        So between new authorizations, loan leveraging programs,
    State match requirements, and likely additions from the
    Commerce and Banking Committees, our bill's total impact on
    infrastructure will be nearly half a trillion dollars, which is
    a historic total. The bill will speed up project delivery, will
    cut Washington red tape so projects can be done faster and
    better and cheaper and smarter. It codifies key elements of
    President Trump's One Federal Decision policy, so the approval
    process for States is simplified.
        It also gives States increased flexibility and reduces
    their paperwork burdens. Important safety road projects, which
    take months to build, shouldn't take a decade to permit.
        The legislation will promote innovation and incorporate new
    technologies into road construction and management to expedite
    project delivery. Increasing safety is a top priority
    throughout the entire legislation.
        The legislation includes grant programs to incentivize
    States to lower the total number of driver and pedestrian
    deaths from car accidents. It also establishes a pilot program
    to build highways wildlife crossings to help mitigate the
    dangers created when animals cross major roads.
        America's Transportation Infrastructure Act establishes a
    competitive grant program to address the backlog of bridges in
    poor condition. Our bill will help build more durable roads
    that can withstand extreme weather events like floods, natural
    disasters such as wildfires and earthquakes and rockslides.
        The bill will also expedite the permitting of gathering
    lines on Federal land, and with tribal consent, Indian land as
    well. Gathering lines are small pipelines that help capture
    methane and reduce the venting and flaring of natural gas. They
    also help reduce heavy duty truck traffic servicing oil and gas
    wells. This provision is good for the environment and for
    American energy production and for public safety.
        This bill will also help reduce emissions from our
    transportation infrastructure by creating voluntary programs
    for States and reauthorizing successful programs like the
    Diesel Emissions Reduction Act. It also includes the USE IT
    Act, standing for Utilizing Significant Emissions with
    Innovative Technologies, something that has already passed
    through this Committee.
        Ranking Member Carper and I agree, this legislation must be
    paid for. We will work with Senate Finance Committee Chairman
    Grassley and Ranking Member Wyden to pay for the bill.
        One way to help pay for it is to ensure every driver using
    the roads is contributing to maintaining them. Right now,
    drivers of electrical vehicles don't contribute to the Highway
    Trust Fund.
        An electric car puts as much wear and tear on the roads as
    any other vehicle. They need to be paying their fair share in
    terms of a user fee for electric vehicles. Everyone who drives
    on our roads

    [[Page 3]]

    should continue to contribute, and if they are not contributing
    now, should contribute to the maintenance.
        The legislation will grow our economy, will create jobs,
    and will improve the quality of life for the American people. I
    want to thank Ranking Member Carper and Subcommittee Chairman
    Capito, Subcommittee Ranking Member Cardin, and all the members
    of this Committee for their partnership in writing this bill.
    America's Transportation Infrastructure Act is bipartisan, it
    is substantial, and it will help the entire country.
        Introduced yesterday, the bill already has support from a
    number of organizations: the American Association of State
    Highway and Transportation Officials; the U.S. Chamber of
    Commerce; the National Association of Manufacturers; the
    American Highway Users Alliance; the American Road and
    Transportation Builders Association; the American Council of
    Engineering Companies; the National Stone, Sand and Gravel
    Association; the National American Concrete Alliance; the
    American Trucking Association; and many more.
        Today, we are also going to consider legislation to repeal
    Section 1438 of the FAST Act, which rescinds $7.6 billion in
    Federal aid highway program contract authority on July 1st of
    2020. Ranking Member Carper and I agree that if this rescission
    isn't repealed, it will harm States, it will slow the economy,
    and it will cost jobs. We can't let that happen.
        Last, we will consider six resolutions to approve
    prospectuses providing for General Services Administration
    leases.
        I now would like to turn to Ranking Member Carper for his
    opening statement.
        Thank you, Senator Carper.

              OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. THOMAS R. CARPER,
                U.S. SENATOR FROM THE STATE OF DELAWARE

        Senator Carper. Thanks, Mr. Chairman.
        To our colleagues and everyone in the audience, welcome,
    and good morning.
        I want to begin today just by saying, Mr. Chairman, that
    under your leadership the members of this Committee and our
    staffs have been hard at work on this bill, as you know, for
    much of this year. I am enormously proud of the commitment and
    the unrelenting spirit of bipartisanship that have made today's
    business meeting possible.
        America's Transportation Infrastructure Act will
    reauthorize our Nation's surface transportation laws, and pave
    the way for an historic $287 billion investment in our Nation's
    roads, our highways, and our bridges in years to come.
        The fact that a bill as significant as this one also
    happens to be bipartisan really should not come as a great
    surprise to anyone. Because in a greater sense, our Nation's
    transportation infrastructure helps bring all Americans
    together, both literally and figuratively. Our roads, our
    highways, our bridges, connect us to one another.
        What we sought to do in this bill before us today is to
    address in a meaningful way a number of serious challenges
    across our transportation infrastructure, challenges that
    include but go well beyond filling potholes.

    [[Page 4]]

        For example, we know that the cars, trucks, and vans that
    we drive have now become our Nation's largest source of global
    warming pollution. These emissions accelerate and exacerbate
    the effect of climate change, contributing to the increasingly
    extreme weather events that contribute significantly to the
    degradation of our roadways and our bridges.
        Our legislation includes the first ever climate title in a
    transportation bill. It calls for an investment of $10 billion
    over the next 5 years to combat climate change by reducing
    emissions, by improving the resiliency of our transportation
    networks, and supporting the growing market for alternative
    fuel vehicles.
        Additionally, we need to do more to improve the safety of
    our roads. In 2017, there were more than 37,000 fatalities--
    37,000 fatalities--on our Nation's roadways. That included
    pedestrians and people on bicycles. That is a number of people
    greater than the population of either Dover, Delaware--our
    State's capital--or Laramie, Wyoming.
        Our legislation addresses this carnage by investing more
    than $3 billion per year in safety improvements through
    existing programs. Our bill creates and funds a new program
    that will compel States and cities with very high rates of
    pedestrian and bicycle fatalities to make needed safety
    improvements.
        We have also included funding to better facilitate wildlife
    crossings, as the Chairman has mentioned, and reduce the risk
    of collision with animals.
        Finally, perhaps, the greatest challenge of all is that our
    Nation's Highway Trust Fund is operating on the brink of
    bankruptcy. The highway account is running an $11 billion
    annual deficit, and that deficit is growing. The truth is, not
    only is our Highway Trust Fund going broke, our way of paying
    for it is broken as well.
        Although this Committee does not have the jurisdiction over
    the revenues to pay for this bill, in the spirit of identifying
    a long term fix to the solvency of the Highway Trust Fund, our
    legislation will continue to fund the State level vehicle miles
    traveled pilot programs established in 2015. Notably, our
    legislation also includes a national vehicle miles traveled
    pilot program, the first of its kind.
        The last 5 year reauthorization bill, the FAST Act, was
    largely paid for by a series of largely irresponsible budget
    gimmicks. One of these gimmicks was the rescission of $7.6
    billion worth of contract authority set to take effect this
    time next year. This resolution is causing tremendous
    uncertainty for States, for cities, and for businesses. We need
    to fix it.
        Today, we have the opportunity to do that. And we are
    considering a separate bill today, in addition to our
    reauthorization bill, to repeal this rescission. I hope that we
    will be able to pass this important fix before the start of the
    next fiscal year and to remove the cloud of uncertainty
    shrouding States as they try to plan projects for the coming
    year.
        I want to conclude this opening statement by reiterating my
    thanks to our Chairman, John Barrasso, to Senators Capito and
    Cardin, and to each member of this Committee, and to the
    members of our staff. We don't this stuff ourselves, as you
    know. And a lot of good work has been done by the people
    sitting behind me, and out in the audience watching as well.

    [[Page 5]]

        I look forward to working closely in the months ahead with
    our colleagues on other committees of jurisdiction in order to
    bring a comprehensive transportation bill to the floor next
    year, and to ensure that this bill is paid for in a responsible
    way.
        America's Transportation Infrastructure Act will help make
    real the vision of a safer, better connected, efficient, and
    climate friendly transportation system, one that will endure
    the test of time and enable America to keep with the evolving
    demands of the world's biggest economy.
        When the voters Great Britain unceremoniously sent former
    Prime Minister Winston Churchill packing at 10 Downing Street,
    following the end of World War II, he was asked as he left 10
    Downing Street by a reporter, he said, Mr. Churchill, for you,
    is this the end. That is what he said, Mr. Churchill, for you,
    is this the end. Churchill famously responded; he said, ``This
    is not the end, this is not the beginning of the end, this is
    the end of the beginning.'' And so it is for us today, the end
    of the beginning. This business meeting marks the beginning of
    what is likely to be a journey with more than a few twists and
    turns, but it is a good beginning, and one that we can be proud
    of.
        I look forward to working in the months ahead with all of
    our colleagues on this Committee and over in the House, in the
    Senate, the Administration, and a multitude of stakeholders to
    make it even better, to make a good start even better.
        I don't know a lot of Latin, but two of the words I do know
    are carpe diem, seize the day. Or as they say in Delaware,
    Carper Diem.
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Carper. Let's go get them. Thanks very much.
        Senator Barrasso. Senator Capito.

            OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO,
              U.S. SENATOR FROM THE STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA

        Senator Capito. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        I want to thank everybody here. When I was on the House
    side, for 14 years, I served on the Transportation and
    Infrastructure Committee. The reauthorization of this bill and
    the way that we have changed it over the years is always an
    exciting time, I think, and it certainly is that way in this
    Committee today.
        I was going to say to Senator Carper, in West Virginia, it
    is Capito Diem, but it didn't have the right ring to it.
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Barrasso. Cardin Diem is coming.
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Capito. It is Cardin Diem in Maryland, yes.
        Anyway, I want to thank both Senators Barrasso and Carper
    and also Senator Cardin for the good, hard work to get this
    legislation where we see it today. It authorizes our Nation's
    surface transportation infrastructure $287 billion over 5
    years. The scale and duration of this bill is essential to
    improving the roads.
        Americans count on it to safely and efficiently get to
    work, get to school, to the store, to drive on the family
    vacation, and to enable commerce on our freight corridors.
    Every member of this Committee has heard loud and clear from
    our States' departments of

    [[Page 6]]

    transportation that a long term bill is needed to prevent a
    return to the stop and start, short term bills that preceded
    the FAST Act and undermined their construction planning.
        I will say anecdotally, I had a telephone town hall
    meeting. Of the 13 questions that I took, 4 of them had to do
    with transportation. So this hits to every home.
        Ninety percent of the bill's funding will be allocated via
    formula, and every State's share is protected. Meaning all
    boats will rise with this funding increase. Our States will
    have maximum flexibility which they request, and we tried to
    provide, to direct their investments where they know they are
    needed, rather than at the direction of Washington.
        America's Transportation Infrastructure Act also includes
    important procedural reforms to the permitting process. We hear
    repeatedly how lengthy and timely and expensive it is, such as
    the One Federal Decision, to reduce costs and the seemingly
    endless delays that accompany transportation infrastructure
    package. I think our project stakeholders will be as excited
    about these provisions as they are about the additional
    funding.
        The legislation's bridge investment program will facilitate
    investment in our Nation's crumbling and increasingly dangerous
    bridges, an infrastructure need that is often overlooked in
    favor of higher profile projects, like new or expanded
    stretches of highway.
        I can say in my home State of West Virginia, 19 percent of
    our bridges are rated as structurally deficient. A dedicated
    source of bridge funding will help States like mine address
    bridge maintenance and replacement, keeping the public safe and
    preventing emergency closures from creating needless and long
    lasting congestion.
        I am also pleased that this legislation carries several
    provisions important to Appalachia. A balanced exchange program
    for States within the Appalachian Development Highway System
    will make more funding available to States working to complete
    their ADHS corridors, such as mine in Corridor H, through the
    heart of West Virginia.
        States with unobligated ADHS balances that have shifted
    their transportation priorities will enjoy additional
    flexibility to invest in other Federal highway system projects
    made whole by an existing funding source. This is truly a win-
    win for our part of the country and all the Appalachian States
    involved.
        America's Transportation Infrastructure Act also follows
    the FAST Act with another 5 year reauthorization of the
    Appalachian Regional Commission, which by the way, my entire
    State is part of this. This language, which I wrote with the
    support of Ranking Member Cardin, Senator Wicker, and Leader
    McConnell, aligns the ARC's reauthorization with its recent
    appropriation history and doubles the set aside for another
    passion of mine, rural broadband deployment in our region.
        Another provision that I led with Leader McConnell
    authorizes the ARC to support the development of a
    petrochemical storage hub and its related downstream
    manufacturing, a potential game changer in terms of capital
    investment and job creation in central Appalachia.

    [[Page 7]]

        I could go on and on, but I won't. America's Transportation
    Infrastructure Act has many more programs that I think will
    appeal to members on both sides of the aisle and from around
    the country, not to mention all the States, families, and
    individuals that will benefit.
        So I would like to thank my colleagues and their staffs. I
    would like to particularly thank my staff member, Travis Cone,
    for his dedicated service and his ability to really work all of
    our other staff members to create a great product.
        I would particularly like to thank, too, from Chairman
    Barrasso's staff, Richard Russell, Brian Clifford, Carl
    Barrick, Juli Huynh, James Wilson, Steven Barnett, and
    Elizabeth Horner. We all know, here, sitting at the dais, that
    the strength of this bill and the compromises that have been
    achieved have been achieved with their good, hard work. So I
    want to thank your staffs as well.
        This is a bipartisan solution to address key transportation
    infrastructure needs and opportunities, and I urge all members
    of the Committee to support this bill.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Senator Barrasso. Thank you very much, Senator Capito.
        Senator Cardin.

             OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. BENJAMIN L. CARDIN,
                U.S. SENATOR FROM THE STATE OF MARYLAND

        Senator Cardin. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        I really do want to thank you and Senator Carper for
    establishing the climate where we could get to a bipartisan
    transportation reauthorization bill, and to Senator Capito, it
    has been a pleasure to work with you as the Chair of our
    subcommittee.
        It is natural that a Senator from West Virginia and
    Maryland would work together, because in the western part of
    our State, the transportation is critically important for
    economic reasons. It is appropriate that I be working very
    closely with the Senator from Delaware, because we understand
    DelMarVa, and the needs for transportation, so the two border
    States.
        I don't want the Chairman to be left out. The last time I
    was in Wyoming, I appreciated the fact that you put a safety
    into this bill. Because as I was rounding a bend, there was an
    American Bison buffalo right in front of me. So I hope we can
    get better warning signs out in Wyoming to deal with the
    dangers.
        Anyway, this bill is an incredibly important bill, and it
    does represent the bipartisan work, not just of the four people
    that I have mentioned, the Chair and Ranking Member of the full
    Committee and subcommittee, the staff; I am so happy that
    Senator Capito mentioned the staff. They are the ones who stay
    up late at night; they are the ones who have to deal with our
    extra requests that we put in at the last moment to make sure
    it is dealt with.
        But also, every member of this Committee, and their input
    into this process, we thank you for that. Because this has
    truly been a collaborative effort. And it is a product that we
    can proudly support.
        As Senator Carper mentioned, this is the first surface
    transportation reauthorization bill that includes a climate
    title. I am glad

    [[Page 8]]

    that it does. It is the realities of more severe weather. We
    have to deal with resiliency and adaptation. That is our
    responsibility.
        Just this last month, we saw a record amount of rainfall in
    this region that caused the flooding of major highways during
    rush hour. We have to be able to deal with the realities of
    more severe weather.
        This bill recognizes that transportation is the leading
    source for greenhouse gas emissions, and we have a
    responsibility in the reauthorization to try to reduce the
    amount of greenhouse gases that are emitted.
        I think the infrastructure, particularly for electric and
    alternative fueled vehicles, represents not only our commitment
    to deal with the greenhouse gas emissions, but also to deal
    with the realities of consumer preference. These are vehicles
    that they want, and we have to make sure the infrastructure
    that we do for tomorrow meets the needs of the consumers in
    these types of vehicles. We give lots of discretion to local
    officials to come up with initiatives to deal with these
    issues, from using natural infrastructure to promoting walking
    and bicycling.
        The bill also deals with congestion. Now, if you are a
    Senator from Maryland who happens to live in Baltimore that
    commutes every day to Washington, believe me, congestion is on
    my mind twice a day. I recognize that we have severe problems,
    not just here in this region, but throughout the country.
        The delays and lost fuel have been estimated on an annual
    basis to be as high as $300 billion a year in lost productivity
    in this country. The fact that we are devoting resources to
    dealing with congestion makes a great deal of sense.
        There is a provision in here that I particularly want to
    acknowledge. It identifies and removes highway facilities that
    divide and isolate communities. We have to recognize that some
    highways that were built no longer function, and we should do
    things to make sure that our system is efficient and represents
    the needs of the community.
        I am particularly pleased, Mr. Chairman, that we have
    increased the funds that go to the Transportation Alternative
    Program. Senator Wicker has been my partner on this. I
    appreciate his help, so that local communities can have more
    input into their own needs as far as safety and tourism and
    walking and trails and biking and things like that.
        There is a section that deals with freight. Freight is an
    extremely important part of our objectives on an infrastructure
    reauthorization bill. Just this past week, Secretary Chao
    announced an INFRA grant to Baltimore for replacing a train
    tunnel that is about 120 years old to allow for double
    stacking, which is the way that freight moves through the
    coast.
        Yes, it is important to Maryland; it will mean jobs. But it
    is important for our entire region, for a more efficient
    freight system.
        It also helps, by the way, the truck traffic, because of
    the delays we have in the Port of Baltimore, wasting fuel and
    wasting truckers' time. So all that will be helped, and this
    section provides additional resources for the freight traffic
    here in the country.
        I already mentioned the safety issues, which I am very
    pleased we are giving initiatives for safety.

    [[Page 9]]

        And I want to just second the comment of Senator Capito in
    regard to the Appalachian Regional Commission and the work that
    is done here in the reauthorization. It was a pleasure to work
    with her. I also want to acknowledge Senator Wicker's work on
    that.
        As Senator Carper said, this bill is a bill that I am proud
    to support. I want to make sure it moves forward. We know we
    still have more work to do, not necessarily under the
    jurisdiction of this Committee, but we have more work to do. So
    many of us serve on other committees that are involved in the
    transportation reauthorization, including the Finance
    Committee, which is going to have to come up with the
    financing. I am glad that Senator Carper is on that committee,
    and can figure out all those problems.
        But we also have several other members who serve on the
    Finance Committee and serve on the Banking Committee and serve
    on the other committees that are involved. Let's get this bill
    not only out of this Committee, but let's get this bill through
    the Congress and to the President. It is desperately needed,
    and I am proud to be part of it.
        Mr. Chairman, on an unrelated matter, we are going to be
    considering resolutions today. You were kind enough to hold
    back resolutions that I asked for to get clarification from
    GSA, dealing with the 2018 and 2019 consolidation activities
    program. I did hear from GSA that assured me that none of these
    funds are for the FBI new headquarters. I would ask consent
    that that letter be made part of the record, and I intend to
    support those resolutions.
        Senator Barrasso. Without objection.
        [The referenced information follows:]
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        Senator Cardin. Thank you.
        Senator Barrasso. First, I am going to call on Senator
    Boozman, since he was the first one here today and asked to
    speak generically on the bill. Then we will head to other
    members with regard to amendments.
        Yes, Senator.

                OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. JOHN BOOZMAN,
                U.S. SENATOR FROM THE STATE OF ARKANSAS

        Senator Boozman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        I want to thank the big four for making this possible.
    Chairman Barrasso, Ranking Member Carper, Senator Capito, and
    Senator Cardin, I know how hard you have worked on this.
        Again, thanks to your staff on both sides that have worked
    in a very collaborative fashion. If it weren't for the
    bipartisanship that has been shown, we simply wouldn't have
    gotten this done. I think it is a great example for the rest of
    Congress.
        Our national economy thrives in part because of how
    interconnected the United States has been throughout its
    history. The ability to efficiently move goods and services
    across the country is a critical factor as to why the U.S. has
    been able to compete and thrive within the global marketplace.
        America's Transportation Infrastructure Act of 2019 is
    certainly a vital investment in our country. A safe, efficient
    surface transportation network is fundamentally necessary to
    our quality of life and

    [[Page 10]]

    our economy. This legislation provides long term certainty for
    States, local governments, along with good reforms and
    improvements to the programs that sustain our roads and
    bridges. Further, American's Transportation Infrastructure Act
    will improve upon safety, resiliency, while still ensuring the
    economy can grow and thrive for years to come.
        Our infrastructure needs can't be a partisan issue. Now is
    the time to push ahead and make sensible, productive
    investments in our Nation's infrastructure. We can no longer
    kick the can down the road and ignore infrastructure problems.
    It is time for the United States to be realistic about its
    infrastructure investment shortfall and start investing in
    infrastructure improvements today.
        One thing I also want to thank the big four for is that we
    have been concerned about the Sport Fish Restoration and
    Boating Trust Fund. This is something that actually will be in
    the Commerce Committee. There were some concern as to what the
    jurisdiction was. But I look forward to us working with the
    Commerce Committee to make sure this is done.
        This fund has been part of the highway reauthorization
    since 1984. It is the single largest fund for fisheries,
    conservation, and boating safety.
        So again, thank you all very, very much for your hard work.
    It is greatly appreciated.
        Senator Barrasso. Thank you very much, Senator Boozman.
        We have reached agreement on five amendments that we will
    consider by voice vote en bloc. Authors of those amendments
    will have the opportunity to discuss their amendments after we
    conclude our voting.
        I would now like to recognize members who filed amendments
    that they have agreed not to offer at this time, but we want to
    hear from as many as possible before we vote, and then return
    to others after we vote. So again, I want to thank all of you
    for agreeing to discuss your amendments before and after
    voting.
        Would any of the members like to be heard on any of the
    amendments you filed?
        Senator Ernst.

                 OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. JONI ERNST,
                  U.S. SENATOR FROM THE STATE OF IOWA

        Senator Ernst. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
        Before I speak about the amendment I filed, I would like to
    thank you and Senator Carper as well for your leadership on
    this bill, and of course, the rest of my colleagues that have
    provided valuable input. This is a really great bill. So thank
    you very much for doing this.
        My amendment, Ernst No. 1, strikes from the substitute
    amendment Section 1401, which authorizes $1 billion in grants
    for charging and fueling infrastructure for electric, hydrogen,
    and natural gas vehicles. Bottom line, folks, I want to make
    clear that I do support an all of the above energy approach. I
    don't have any issue with these fuels or technologies.
        But what I do have an issue with is the fact that this
    section neglects to include biofuels. Namely, the blends of E15
    and E85 and other advanced biofuel fueling technologies.
        I encouraged my colleagues on the Committee to include
    biofuels in the program, but there wasn't enough support to get
    this provision in the bill we are considering today. If all
    emissions reducing fuels aren't going to be treated equally by
    this program, then my preference is to do away with the program
    entirely.
        Under current law, folks can claim a Federal tax credit of
    up to $7,500 when they purchase an electric car. More than 80
    percent of these tax credits are utilized by individuals with
    an adjusted gross income of $100,000 or more. Now we are going
    to have the Federal Government subsidize charging
    infrastructure for electric vehicles, which are owned in large
    part by high earners in coastal States, while at the same time
    leaving our corn and soybean farmers and biofuel producers on
    the sidelines.
        I am not pushing for a vote on my amendment today, but I do
    plan to work with my colleagues to iron this out before the
    bill hits the floor. I think this program can be more effective
    if a broader range of fuels are eligible for this program.
        Thank you, Mr. Chair.
        Senator Barrasso. Thank you very much, Senator Ernst.
        Would any other Senators like to be recognized?
        Senator Rounds.

                OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. MIKE ROUNDS,
              U.S. SENATOR FROM THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA

        Senator Rounds. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Rounds 2 is my amendment to Section 1401 of this
    legislation. This section creates the competitive grant program
    for strategic development of vehicle charging and refueling
    infrastructure along alternative fuel corridors. The goal of
    this grant program is to allow drivers of electric, hydrogen,
    and natural gas vehicles to travel along these corridors.
        My amendment keeps this program in place, while allowing
    additional alternative fuel vehicles to take part in these
    corridors by opening up the grant program to biofuel and
    propane powered vehicles. I think Senator Ernst and I are kind
    of on the same wavelength in this particular issue.
        Section 1401 authorizes a total of $1 billion over 5 years
    for this grant program. If we are going to invest in
    alternative fueling infrastructure, we should take an all of
    the above approach by opening this grant program up to popular
    alternative fuels that will help reduce our dependence on
    foreign oil.
        The United States Energy Information Administration's 2019
    Energy Outlook said, ``Alternative and electric vehicles gained
    market share in the referenced case, but gasoline vehicles
    remain the dominant vehicle type through the year 2050, with
    the combined share of sales attributable to gasoline and flex
    fuel vehicles at 75 percent in 2050.''
        Biofuels are already lowering carbon emissions in gasoline
    powered vehicles. An example, first generation ethanol reduces
    greenhouse gas emissions by between 34 and 39 percent. If we
    want to transition to a lower carbon transportation system, we
    cannot afford to leave any greenhouse emission reductions on
    the table.
        While I filed this amendment to include biofuels and
    propane infrastructure into this grant program, I understand
    that some members of this Committee have raised concerns about
    their inclusion

    [[Page 12]]

    at this time. For this reason, I will not be asking for a vote
    on my amendment at this time. But I hope to work with my
    colleagues to improve this grant program and to include
    additional alternative fuels in the future.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Senator Barrasso. Thank you, Senator.
        Senator Duckworth.

              OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. TAMMY DUCKWORTH,
                U.S. SENATOR FROM THE STATE OF ILLINOIS

        Senator Duckworth. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        I want to thank you, both you and your staff, for working
    with me to include my autonomous vehicle impact study
    amendment. I look forward to continuing a dialogue on this and
    other issues as we head to the floor.
        My amendment simply requires relevant Federal agencies to
    study the policy implications of autonomous vehicles on our
    transportation infrastructure. I think we all agree that AVs
    will transform our transportation system in the years to come,
    and it really makes sense to have the Department of
    Transportation begin contemplating smart implementation
    strategies.
        In its present form, my amendment requires the Federal
    Highway Administration to coordinate a study to better
    understand impacts of AV technologies on our existing and
    future transportation systems, and assess the steps that should
    be taken to ensure that we alleviate congestion, improve
    safety, mobility, and protect the environment. Federal agencies
    should engage in this analysis now to anticipate and to avoid
    future problems before autonomous vehicles operate throughout
    our Nation.
        We need to answer simple questions like, what does the
    proliferation of AVs mean for the number of vehicles on our
    roadways and congestion in our cities and suburbs, what changes
    to public infrastructure may be needed once these vehicles are
    mass deployed, what actions should Federal agencies take to
    avoid and mitigate negative impacts.
        This common sense effort can also inform our transportation
    planning and should account for self-driving vehicles.
    Addressing these questions sooner rather than later ensures
    that better and smarter deployment of AVs and a better plan to
    mitigate future stresses on our transportation system.
        Finally, Mr. Chairman, I would like to raise one issue that
    this bill does not address and should be included as we head it
    to the floor. As you know, many people remain unaware that low
    income communities and communities of color bear the brunt of
    the environmental burdens associated with our transportation
    networks. The Department of Transportation and State
    departments of transportation must work for everyone. And the
    Federal Highway Administration and other Federal agencies
    should employ an environmental justice strategy across all
    programs, policies, and activities.
        I look forward to discussing further environmental justice
    issues with you as this bill advances in the Senate. Again, I
    thank you for working with me on my amendment to address the
    impacts of AVs on our transportation infrastructure. I really
    appreciate your

    [[Page 13]]

    dedication to finding workable solutions on this and other
    important issues.
        Senator Barrasso. Thank you so very much, Senator
    Duckworth.
        Senator Carper.
        Senator Carper. Thanks, Mr. Chairman.
        I want to applaud Senator Duckworth's leadership in
    including this amendment to study autonomous vehicles as part
    of our highway reauthorization. Like Senator Duckworth, and I
    know others on this Committee, too, I believe that EPW should
    play a leading role in ensuring the safety and environmental
    benefits of autonomous vehicles when they are deployed on our
    Nation's roadways, as they will be.
        I hope to be able to continue to work with you, Senator
    Duckworth, and our Chairman and everyone on this Committee who
    shares concern and interest in this issue.
        Thank you.
        Senator Barrasso. Thank you very much, Senator Carper.
        Senator Braun, you wanted to make a comment.
        We do have a quorum, so we will then be moving to the vote.

                 OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. MIKE BRAUN,
                 U.S. SENATOR FROM THE STATE OF INDIANA

        Senator Braun. Yes, I will make it brief.
        I was involved in infrastructure at the State House in
    Indiana. We passed a long term road funding bill in 2017. Also
    involved our cities and counties to be part of the process, and
    was glad to see--we called it community crossings back there.
    The Crossroads of America Act tries to do the same thing, get
    States to be involved, have skin in the game; thank you for
    weaving that into the bill.
        Senator Baldwin and I have also had an idea that
    incorporates resiliency into transportation projects to where
    you actually learn from your mistakes, and you don't make them
    again.
        I have three amendments; one, Buy American. In the midst of
    the President's trade actions to bring China toward a more
    market based system, Congress must not undermine President
    Trump by weakening the very protections that ensure the steel
    in our roads is not made in China.
        Without a strong Buy America provision, the increased
    funding in this bill would merely incentivize China to continue
    its non-economic steel practices. This is similar to Senators
    Portman and Brown; Senator Baldwin is also supportive of the
    idea.
        My amendment tightens the requirements in three ways. It
    codifies the executive order from President Trump; it
    eliminates the use of blanket waivers, which agencies like
    Federal Highways have long used to avoid Congress's intent; and
    third, it instructs the Secretary of Transportation to review
    federally funded infrastructure programs and look for areas
    where Buy American can be strengthened.
        Each of these provisions lessens the ability of the Chinese
    government to access the American procurement market. For many
    workers, it can mean the difference between going to work on
    Monday morning and facing a furlough because of a closure or
    not adhering to the guidelines.

    [[Page 14]]

        Two other ideas; Indiana was disappointed to see that the
    State was not included in the DOT's most recent round of INFRA
    grants. The State put together a proposal that paid for 81
    percent of the project. When States are willing to step forward
    to do that, it is hard to imagine why you wouldn't take it up
    on it.
        So I have two amendments that seek to reward States that
    are willing to put skin in the game, not deny them a grant
    simply because they have been doing something that makes them
    self-sufficient in their home State.
        To me, with the balance sheet that we have as a Federal
    Government, we should be welcoming enterprising States that are
    willing to pay for a greater share of infrastructure. We won't
    get it done here if we keep running our fiscal house like we
    currently are.
        Thank you.
        Senator Barrasso. Thank you very much, Senator Braun.
        Well, we do have a quorum, so I would like to move to a
    vote on the items on today's agenda.
        The Ranking Member and I have agreed to vote on S. 1992, a
    Bill to Repeal a $7.6 billion Rescission in the Federal Aid
    Highway Program Contract Authority, and six General Services
    Administration resolutions en bloc, by voice vote.
        Members may choose to have their votes recorded for a
    specific item in that block after the voice vote.
        Now I would like to first call up the Barrasso-Carper-
    Capito-Cardin Substitute Amendment to S. 2302, America's
    Transportation Infrastructure Act, that was circulated last
    Friday. The Ranking Member and I have agreed that this
    substitute shall be considered the original text for purposes
    of amendments.
        Members have filed amendments to the substitute. The
    Ranking Member and I have agreed to vote on five amendments en
    bloc by voice vote, but members may choose to have their votes
    recorded for a specific item in that block, after the voice
    vote.
        We have agreed to consider Carper No. 1, Inhofe-Boozman No.
    1, as filed. We have also agreed to consider Revised Duckworth
    No. 2, Revised Merkley No. 2, and Revised Van Hollen No. 3. We
    have agreed to revise the filed versions of these amendments to
    reflect necessary modification. I am pleased to accept these
    revised amendments.
        So I would like to first call up Carper No. 1, Inhofe-
    Boozman No. 1, Revised Duckworth No. 2, Revised Merkley No. 3,
    and Revised Van Hollen No. 3 en bloc. I would ask that members
    withhold discussion of their agreed upon amendments until after
    we complete voting.
        Move to approve Carper 1, Inhofe-Boozman 1, Revised
    Duckworth 2, Revised Merkley 3, Revised Van Hollen 3 en bloc.
        Is there a second?
        Senator Carper. Second.
        Senator Barrasso. All those in favor, say aye.
        [Chorus of ayes.]
        Senator Barrasso. Opposed, say no.
        [No audible response.]
        Senator Barrasso. In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes
    have it, and Carper 1, Inhofe-Boozman 1, Revised Duckworth 2,
    Revised Merkley 3, and Revised Van Hollen 3 are agreed to.

    [[Page 15]]

        Does any Senator seek recognition to offer an amendment?
        Seeing none, I move to approve the substitute amendment to
    S. 2302 as amended and report 2302 as amended favorably to the
    Senate.
        We will hold a roll call vote.
        Is there a second?
        Senator Carper. Second.
        Senator Barrasso. The Clerk will call the roll.
        The Clerk. Mr. Booker.
        Senator Carper. Yes by proxy.
        The Clerk. Mr. Boozman.
        Senator Boozman. Aye.
        The Clerk. Mr. Braun.
        Senator Braun. Aye.
        The Clerk. Mrs. Capito.
        Senator Capito. Aye.
        The Clerk. Mr. Cardin.
        Senator Cardin. Aye.
        The Clerk. Mr. Carper.
        Senator Carper. Aye.
        The Clerk. Mr. Cramer.
        Senator Cramer. Aye.
        The Clerk. Ms. Duckworth.
        Senator Duckworth. Aye.
        The Clerk. Ms. Ernst.
        Senator Ernst. Aye.
        The Clerk. Mrs. Gillibrand.
        Senator Carper. Yes by proxy.
        The Clerk. Mr. Inhofe.
        Senator Inhofe. Aye.
        The Clerk. Mr. Markey.
        Senator Carper. Aye by proxy.
        The Clerk. Mr. Merkley.
        Senator Merkley. Aye.
        The Clerk. Mr. Rounds.
        Senator Rounds. Aye.
        The Clerk. Mr. Sanders.
        Senator Carper. Yes by proxy.
        The Clerk. Mr. Shelby.
        Senator Shelby. Aye.
        The Clerk. Mr. Sullivan.
        Senator Barrasso. Aye by proxy.
        The Clerk. Mr. Van Hollen.
        Senator Van Hollen. Aye.
        The Clerk. Mr. Whitehouse.
        Senator Carper. Yes by proxy.
        The Clerk. Mr. Wicker.
        Senator Wicker. Aye.
        The Clerk. Mr. Chairman.
        Senator Barrasso. Aye.
        The Clerk. Mr. Chairman, the ayes are 21, the nays are
    zero.
        Senator Barrasso. We have approved S. 2302, as amended, by
    a vote of 21 to zero. This will now be reported favorably to
    the Senate.
        I ask unanimous consent to enter into the record 87 letters
    and statements of support.
        Without objection, so ordered.
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        Senator Barrasso. I would now like to call up S. 1992, a
    Bill to Amend the FAST Act to Repeal a Rescission of Funds, and
    six General Services Administration resolutions en bloc.
        I move to approve and report S. 1992 and approve six GSA
    resolutions en bloc.
        Is there a second?
        Senator Carper. Second.
        Senator Barrasso. All those in favor, please say aye.
        [Chorus of ayes.]
        Senator Barrasso. Opposed, no.
        [No audible response.]
        Senator Barrasso. In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes
    have it.
        We have approved S. 1992, which will be reported favorably
    to the Senate. We will also approve six GSA resolutions.
        The voting part of the business meeting is finished, and I
    am very grateful that all of the members were able to be here
    and the proxies from a number of those who were not able to be
    here as well today.
        I agree and join with you and Senator Capito and Senator
    Cardin in thanking this remarkable staff behind us who has done
    a wonderful job to bring us all together in a bipartisan way to
    support legislation that is really going to make a significant
    difference for the people of this country. Thank you.
        Since the voting part of the meeting is concluded, a number
    of members who have filed amendments are here that they did not
    offer, others are here that may want to discuss amendments that
    have been taken up and adopted.
        Any members who would like to make a comment at this time?
        Senator Van Hollen.
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              OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN,
                U.S. SENATOR FROM THE STATE OF MARYLAND

        Senator Van Hollen. Mr. Chairman, I just want to join our
    colleagues in thanking you and the ranking member, Senator
    Capito and Senator Cardin, for your good work on this. I think
    this is a major step forward.
        It will also mean considerable additional resources to
    invest in transportation priorities around the country. I think
    Maryland will

    [[Page 17]]

    receive about $130 million more, if we, of course, take the
    next step to get all of this funded.
        I just wanted to mention one program I am pleased that we
    included in the base bill. Senator Cardin and I and others have
    been pushing for it; it is called Community Connectivity, a
    pilot program. This is a program to deal with past
    infrastructure projects that are unnecessary or have become an
    impediment to development.
        In West Baltimore, we have something called the bridge to
    nowhere, which is a bridge that was started many years ago, and
    literally, drops off.
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Van Hollen. So it has made it really difficult to
    develop that part of that city in a way that would benefit the
    residents. So I am pleased that this legislation now authorizes
    and provides funding for both studies and deconstruction in
    that particular area.
        I also just want to salute everybody for including the
    climate change resiliency and sustainability provisions. I
    think those are critical parts of the legislation.
        Finally, on the GSA leases, I want to second the comments
    my senior Senator from Maryland made regarding the FBI. I would
    also note that we are voting to extend the GSA lease for the
    National Institute of Food and Agriculture by 20 years.
        Some members of the Committee may have been following the
    fact that the USDA has proposed to move the NIFA to another
    State, which has created a lot of disruptions; many important
    and well respected scientists in the area of agriculture are
    going to be leaving their jobs and their service to the
    country.
        But I hope that those who choose to stay will be allowed to
    telecommute at least until there is a new building, a new
    permanent building where they can work, in what I think is
    going to be Kansas City. It makes no sense to tell employees
    that not only do they have to move a thousand miles but they
    have to move when there is no permanent location for a future
    NIFA.
        So I am glad that NIFA's lease is continued for another 20
    years. I would like to see them stay there another 20 years,
    and Senator Cardin and I and others are fighting to make sure
    that we keep them there where their expertise is required. But
    if they are required to move, I hope this Committee will work
    to make sure that that is done in a way that addresses the
    needs and concerns of the employees.
        Senator Barrasso. Thank you, Senator Van Hollen.
        Senator Cardin.
        Senator Cardin. Mr. Chairman, if I just might, I concur
    with Senator Van Hollen's point in regard to the leases.
    Certainly with regard to the employees. It is very disruptive
    to move, unless there is a good reason you shouldn't, and there
    really is not a good reason.
        In regard to these highways, I was just whispering to
    Senator Carper when we were talking about this road, this road
    was actually authorized and built in the 1970s, if my memory is
    correct. So none of us were in the Senate or Congress at the
    time this was originally constructed.

    [[Page 18]]

        It divides neighborhoods, and as I mentioned in my opening
    comments, I am glad that we have the ability to evaluate,
    identify, and hopefully remove these highways that are serving
    no purpose other than to divide communities.
        Senator Barrasso. Senator Braun.
        Senator Braun. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would be remiss if I
    didn't mention that infrastructure, in my opinion, should be
    one of the things the Federal Government does, and does it in a
    way where we are doing it from a position of strength. I know
    as a main street entrepreneur and building my own business over
    37 years, when you do live within your means, and you have a
    solid balance sheet, it is amazing the opportunities that can
    come your way.
        Being one of the maybe few finance guys that is actually
    here in the Senate, I wish we would take note that regardless
    of which side of the aisle you are on, and for all the folks I
    see come to the Federal Government, wanting help for things
    that we have traditionally helped with, infrastructure should
    be at the top. Everyone benefits from it.
        But if you are managing your finances in a way that this
    place has, where I will never forget Senator Van Hollen's
    walking out of the door, said in the Budget Committee,
    political will. We need to get it, because I can tell you that
    the reconciliation, the way things will get fixed in the long
    run, will not be pretty. It is going to be a version of 2008,
    but it is going to impact the Federal Government.
        So I think we all need to be--regardless of what you want
    to do through the Federal Government--aware that running nearly
    trillion dollar deficits on $22 trillion in debt, it is not
    going to be good down the road. We have just not paid any
    consequences for it.
        Sadly, infrastructure will be the thing that is so capital
    intensive, it is somewhere between a $2 trillion and $3
    trillion enterprise over 10 to 20 years. It is just hard to see
    how you are going to do much about it when you are generating
    trillion dollar deficits.
        So I think it is all--it is incumbent upon us to figure out
    how we get out of the groove that we are currently in, and for
    the time that I am going to spend here in the Senate, I am
    going to take every opportunity to mention it.
        Thank you.
        Senator Barrasso. Thank you very much, Senator Braun.
        I want to thank all members of the Committee.
        I do ask unanimous consent that the staff have authority to
    make technical and conforming changes to each of the matters
    approved today.
        Oh, I am sorry, Senator Whitehouse, thank you.

             OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. SHELDON WHITEHOUSE,
              U.S. SENATOR FROM THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

        Senator Whitehouse. I just want to congratulate you,
    Chairman, and the Ranking Member, on the way in which this
    piece of legislation came together. There is a lot in here, I
    think, for all of us to be proud of.
        I am particularly proud of the Bridge Investment Act. Rhode
    Island has a lot of old bridges and badly worn bridges. Funding
    there will be put to very, very good use.

    [[Page 19]]

        We have a lot of coastal infrastructure that is at risk.
    There are entire communities where, if the road goes out, you
    can no longer get emergency vehicles in to help rescue people.
        Port electrification is going to be really important to us
    with our Port of Providence and Quonset Port.
        Of course, the carbon reduction incentives program, I don't
    need to dwell on, but you all know where I am on that issue.
        I want to congratulate the Ranking Member for how hard he
    worked on charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. That
    is going to be terrifically important.
        I think we probably get around a little bit more by bicycle
    in Rhode Island than you do in Wyoming, Mr. Chairman, because
    distances are a little closer. We are really pleased with the
    Bicycle and Transportation Alternatives Program, which will
    make a big difference.
        The INFRA program is one that I designed in this Committee
    years ago. We just got a very big grant for a very big highway
    project in our capital city from that, and it is great to see
    that continue forward. I think you can do good, big things with
    all of that.
        I want to congratulate Representative Cicilline for his
    support and leadership on the House side of the Scenic Byways
    provision. We have nine in Rhode Island, and I appreciate that
    being included.
        USE IT is a bill of ours, Mr. Chairman, and I am very
    grateful to you for continuing to support our direct air
    capture efforts.
        For those of you who weren't with us, we went to Aberdeen,
    where the university is extracting carbon dioxide out of the
    air and creating little cubes of calcium carbonate from direct
    air capture. In fact, in Wyoming this summer, the XPrize is
    going to be considering that project, along with several
    others. So carbon capture is really coming along.
        And last, the diesel emissions bill is very important,
    particularly in urban areas where buses idle. So there are a
    lot of really good, bipartisan wins in here, and I want to
    thank you both very much, thank all the members very much.
        I also ask unanimous consent that I be deemed to have voted
    in person. I was a bit late coming to the vote, but I would
    appreciate that.
        Senator Barrasso. Without objection, so ordered.
        Senator Carper.
        Senator Carper. Senator Whitehouse is a champion on a lot
    of the issues he has just mentioned. We value his leadership
    and appreciate his joining us today.
        Senator Whitehouse. We hope to wrap up Innovative Materials
    by the floor. So thank you very much for your support with
    that.
        Senator Carper. Mr. Chairman, as you and I know, I don't
    read all the President's tweets, but I couldn't help but read
    one today. It said the Senator is working hard on America's
    Transportation Infrastructure Act. It goes on to say it will
    have a big impact--all caps, big impact--on our highways and
    roads all across our Nation. And just drawing from Republicans
    and Democrats, do I hear the beautiful word bipartisan? Yes,
    you do. Get it done, I am with you.
        Let me just say, those are his words. We welcome the
    President's words today, and that is supportive of our 5 year
    bipartisan surface

    [[Page 20]]

    transportation bill. We welcome even more his vocal support of
    responsible funding to fully pay for it in the years to come.
    The 800 pound gorilla in the room is always, how do we pay for
    this important stuff. We will need his vocal, active support.
        Thank you.
        Senator Barrasso. Thank you, thank you all for being with
    us today for this historic mark up. Thank you to all the
    members of the Committee and for the remarkable staff who has
    done such a great job.
        I do ask unanimous consent that the staff have the
    authority to make technical and conforming changes to each of
    the matters approved today.
        Without objection, that will be done.
        And with that, our business meeting is concluded and
    adjourned.
        [Whereupon, at 10:04 a.m., the Committee was adjourned.]

                                [all]