GOP’s $400 Billion Highway Bill Focuses on ‘Core Infrastructure’

House Republicans introduced legislation Wednesday to authorize more than $400 billion over five years for surface transportation programs, 21% higher than their proposal last year.

The bill, led by Transportation and Infrastructure ranking member Sam Graves (R-Mo.), would authorize funding for federal highway, transit, and safety programs. It doesn’t address passenger rail, which was included in the last surface transportation law and in House Democrats’ reauthorization bill passed last year.

Amid negotiations on infrastructure legislation, Graves said he wants to see “these proposals become part of a robust bipartisan effort—just as the President continues to call for.”

Rep. Sam Graves, ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, in an October 2019 hearing.

Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images

“Republicans want ...