House Committee Passes Transportation Bill

Earlier in June, the United States House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee released their version of the transportation reauthorization bill.

The bill, H.R. 2 or the Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America Act (INVEST Act) is important because it includes funding for walking, biking, and rolling infrastructure – otherwise known as active transportation that helps us get outside and get moving in healthy ways.

The INVEST Act includes critical improvements to the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) program, which is the largest source of federal funding for active transportation. If you’ve been able to enjoy some time outside during this period of physical distancing to exercise in a dedicated bike lane, or been able to take a walk on a path, then you may be using infrastructure paid for by TAP. Now more than ever, as we all adapt to new health guidelines and recommendations, TAP and the healthy activities it supports are critically important.

The current transportation bill is set to expire on September 30^th. In order to keep programs like TAP or Safe Routes to School in place, we need Congress to come to an agreement and take action on the transportation reauthorization ahead of the September 30^th expiration date.

Luckily, the INVEST Act and the Senate bill, S. 2302, the America’s Transportation Infrastructure Act (ATIA) recognize the importance of these programs and the draft bills have made clear that TAP and active transportation are priorities. In fact, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee just held a “markup” last week and passed the INVEST Act out of Committee, allowing it to move to the floor for consideration by the full House of Representatives!

While this is great progress, much more work needs to be done ahead of the expiration date. As the U.S. House and Senate make progress on their versions of transportation reauthorization, we need to make sure that they continue to prioritize TAP and active transportation. Thousands of You’re the Cure advocates have already taken action and told their members of Congress to prioritize TAP, but we need more of you to lend your voices if we are to succeed. We’ve made it easy for you and in as little as 30 seconds you can click this link, fill out the short form and send a pre-filled letter to your Representative and Senators.

Please click the link above and contact your lawmakers. If we work together and have a unified voice we can make a real difference!

We will keep you informed as the INVEST Act and ATIA move through Congress as well as look out for ways we can lend our voices to help shape the debate.