Sen. Majority Chief Chuck Schumer has pointed to the potential for together with catastrophe assist funds in an end-of-the-year persevering with decision. (Mariam Zuhaib/Related Press)
[Stay on top of transportation news: Get TTNews in your inbox.]
With lower than two weeks earlier than adjourning for the yr, a must-pass measure is gaining momentum as Senate Democrats proceed to hunt assist for a catastrophe aid bundle.
Following high-profile hearings and up to date negotiations on the Biden White Home’s almost $100 billion catastrophe assist request, Majority Chief Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) reminded colleagues of the urgency of the matter.
“I imagine we should attempt as a lot as potential to get it finished, and we on the Democratic aspect have been persistent in getting as many {dollars} as potential to assist each blue and purple states affected by catastrophe,” Schumer stated Dec. 10. “I stay hopeful and decided that we are able to attain a take care of our Republican counterparts, however the one method we’re going to get a catastrophe bundle finished is with a severe present of bipartisan cooperation.”
RELATED: Biden Seeks $98 Billion in Hurricane Reduction Funding
Explaining that this yr about two dozen pure disasters destroyed communities and halted the stream of commerce in North Carolina, Florida and elsewhere, Schumer added, “Catastrophe assist will not be a Democrat or Republican subject in any respect — Mom Nature comes for us all, as we’ve seen in each a part of the nation time and time once more.”
Schumer and senior Democrats have pointed to the potential for together with the catastrophe assist funds in an end-of-the-year persevering with decision, or CR. The funding decision, if accredited by Congress and enacted by the president, would preserve federal companies working past a Dec. 20 authorities funding deadline.
The probability of Congress signing off on a seamless decision earlier than this month’s deadline is excessive. Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Senate Majority Chief-elect John Thune (R-S.D.) have expressed a choice to work with the incoming Trump administration on funding points. President-elect Donald Trump will return to the White Home on Jan. 20.
The present White Home is asking Congress to approve almost $100 billion in emergency funds to spice up operations on the Federal Emergency Administration Company and different departments. Particular to transportation applications, President Joe Biden is requesting about $8 billion to restore infrastructure and connectivity networks destroyed by extreme climate occasions. Funding additionally would go towards aiding with rebuilding Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed in March after being struck by a cargo ship.
President Joe Biden is in search of funds to assist rebuild Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed in March. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Pictures)
Beneath a CR, full fiscal 2025 funding laws particular to the U.S. Division of Transportation and different federal companies would proceed to await consideration. Earlier this yr, the Senate Appropriations Committee accredited a transportation invoice that would supply $964.5 million for the Federal Motor Provider Security Administration. A Home committee-passed transportation invoice would supply FMCSA with $909 million. That Home invoice would dedicate $200 million for parking growth initiatives for business truck drivers.
One other funding measure percolating this month is the annual Nationwide Protection Authorization Act. The Home on Dec. 11 voted 281-140 to advance the ultimate model of the Pentagon coverage invoice to the Senate. The large invoice consists of provisions associated to compensation, well being care, army readiness, nuclear energy, environmental surveys and freight safety, amongst different points.
“Offering for our service members is an important job that Congress has. Each single man and girl who serves in our Armed Forces made the selfless determination to serve and shield our nation. It is important that we make sure that our service members and their households are taken care of,” stated Armed Companies Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), who urged the Senate to clear the invoice for Biden’s signature.
“For over 60 consecutive years, the NDAA has served as the muse for our nationwide safety priorities, fulfilling Congress’ sacred obligation to supply for the widespread protection and underscoring our dedication to the individuals who bravely serve our nation and their households,” added Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), the panel’s rating member. “There may be a lot to rejoice on this invoice because of the bipartisan dedication that outlined the time-honored course of.”
Senate ground managers have but to schedule the invoice for a remaining vote. Particular to trucking coverage, the NDAA would direct the commander on the U.S. Transportation Command to transient Congress inside a yr on the efficiency of the World Family Items contract. The briefing should element suggestions from service members about its implementation in addition to updates particular to its development.
In response to Transcom, the GHC is supposed to enhance the relocation course of for army personnel and their households. A coalition {of professional} movers and unbiased owner-operators have raised issues about this system.
