The House T&I Committee hearing on April 30 was an appropriations mark-up, where they proposed a claw-back of funds (rescission) appropriated in the Inflation Reduction Act. It is essential to note that this is a step toward what we anticipate will be a larger set of rescissions related to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The Committee passed cuts to billions in funding from the IRA to push the President’s agenda, prioritizing cutting taxes for the wealthy. The committee passed a plan that will repeal up to $3.1 billion in funding for dozens of communities with awarded projects aimed at reconnecting communities divided by transportation infrastructure. You can find their detailed proposal here and a full explainer from our friends at Transportation for America here.
Here is a list of the Neighborhood Access and Equity Grants, including the corresponding congressional districts and the names and emails of transportation staff. All of these projects include a biking, walking, and/or transit element.
In addition to these cuts, the committee proposed new fees on electric vehicles. $200 for a covered electric vehicle. (2) $100 for a covered hybrid vehicle. (3) $20 for a covered motor vehicle that is not a covered electric vehicle or a covered hybrid vehicle.
The National Campaign for Transit Justice focused on bringing attention to these cuts, working with groups from around the country to reach out to their members of Congress to urge the House T&I committee to oppose these cuts.