Legislative Updates

Transportation Appropriations Under Discussion - May 24, 2017

On May 24, the appropriations committee in the United State House of Representatives passed their version of transportation funding for 2017. The bill now moves to the full chamber. If passed by the House, it would then be sent to conference committee to resolve differences with the Senate version, which was passed on May 19. Funding amounts between the two versions are the same, but there is language in the House version that has drawn a veto threat from the President.

The House version includes suspension of certain drivers hours-of-service regulations, which has moved the President to issue a threat of veto. First, the House version suspends 34-hour restart requirements until they can be studied by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Their requirements are for two off-duty periods between 1am and 5am, and another requirement for more than one restart during a consecutive 168-hour timeframe. Second, the House version suspends rulemaking of Safety Fitness Determination by the FMCSA until certain FAST Act reforms are completed.
 
Funding levels in both versions (House and Senate) include the following amounts.
            $44 billion for highways ($900 million more than 2016)
            $16 billion for airports ($70 million more than 2016)
 
Current appropriations end September 30 of 2016.

Water Resources Development Act of 2016 - May 25, 2016

On May 25, the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (HR 5303) passed out of committee in the US House of Representatives. Direct funding impact to Iowa may be minimal. However, NRMCA (National Ready Mixed Concrete Association) has been working towards preference for resilient materials within the bill. NRMCA was successful in a similar effort regarding the WRDA of 2014. It remains to be seen how much preference might be given to resilient materials, such as roller compacted concrete, within the version currently being discussed by congress.

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