According to the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), the House and Senate passed a joint budget resolution, something the two chambers hadn’t done in six years.
The resolution proposes a 22 percent reduction in surface transportation funding based on current revenue projects for the Highway Trust Fund, reports NSSGA. Although the budget does not have the force of law, it sets parameters for the appropriations process when allocating funds for programs.
This resolution contains what former House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) calls a highway funding “bucket,” meaning Congress can increase transportation funding levels if money becomes available.
According to NSSGA, current funding levels are not keeping pace with the cost of U.S. infrastructure maintenance, and a $12 billion cut from current spending would have a devastating impact on road conditions.
“We urge Congress to find the funding necessary in order to avoid this draconian cut,” says NSSGA Senior Vice President Pam Whitted. “America cannot afford to spend less now on this national priority or else we will be paying much more later.”
