SURFACE TRANSPORTATION REAUTHORIZATION

As the Republican Leader of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I have worked to enact long-term transportation legislation that has been stalled in Congress since 2009.  It is my plan to pass responsible long-term transportation legislation that will get projects moving and people working.

I am pleased to let you know that as Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, landmark jobs legislation has been reported to reauthorize and reform federal surface transportation programs and rebuild the nation’s roads, bridges and infrastructure.  

With millions out of work, particularly in the construction industry, the American Energy & Infrastructure Jobs Act is legislation that can immediately and positively impact our economy.  This bill will be the be the most significant reform of transportation programs in decades and will cut red tape; reduce the federal bureaucracy; move major infrastructure projects forward; attract more private sector participation; and give states the flexibility they need to address their most critical transportation needs.  Under my proposal and in stark contrast to proposals from the Administration and the Senate, all of this can be achieved without adding to our federal deficit.  Read More »

THE FAA REAUTHORIZATION AND REFORM ACT

I inherited, as the Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, an FAA bill that expired more than four and a half years ago.  I have worked vigorously to pass a fiscally-responsible bill to authorize the policy, projects and priorities of the Federal Aviation Administration.  This initiative will provide certainty to the aviation industry, which is needed for continued growth in this field.  Congress has passed an FAA Reauthorization and the President signed the legislation into law on February 15th. Read More »

THE COAST GUARD AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION ACT

The impact of maritime commerce is sometimes overlooked.  However, a high priority of my work on the Transportation Committee has been to enact legislation to provide the necessary authorities and resources for the Coast Guard to carry out its important responsibilities and to support maritime activity.  The House passed legislation, of which I was a primary sponsor, not only enacts changes to better utilize Coast Guard assets but also provides a strong framework for increasing sea-faring economic activity.  It is now awaiting consideration in the Senate. Read More »

PIPELINE SAFETY, REGULATORY CERTAINTY, AND JOB CREATION ACT

The Department of Transportation has the responsibility of regulating the safe transportation of natural gas, petroleum products and other hazardous materials through our nation’s 2.6 million mile network of pipelines. Pipelines in the U.S. are recognized as both the safest and the most economical way of distributing natural gas, home heating oil, gasoline and diesel fuel. On September 7, 2011, I introduced H.R. 2845, the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act.  The Transportation Committee approved the bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and strengthen pipeline safety programs and ensures the regulatory certainty in pipeline transportation necessary to allow businesses to create jobs.  The bill was passed and signed into law by the President on January 3rd.  Read More »

SITTING ON OUR ASSETS

As Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I have acted as lead author of a Committee report which identifies billions of dollars in potential savings to the taxpayer through improved management of federal assets and the elimination of waste in agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction.  Controlling deficit spending and increasing government efficiency will always be a top priority for me. Read More »

THE CIVILIAN PROPERTY REALIGNMENT ACT

The U.S. government is the nation’s largest asset holder, managing 896,000 buildings.  Unfortunately, like much of government, Federal assets have risen faster than demand and the properties owned and maintained by the government can and must be used more effectively.  In seeking to reduce waste, increase the efficiency of the Federal government and produce significant savings for the taxpayer, I have worked closely with Committee Colleagues on legislation that would establish a framework similar to the BRAC commission to review Federal properties and make recommendations for consolidations, co-locations, redevelopment, selling or other actions. 

A glaring example of this mismanagement is the Old Post Office Building in Washington, DC in which Americans lose $6.5 million per year on a partially vacant building in a prime location in the District.  I am now pleased to report that following Congressional pressure, the federal government is now redeveloping this property which will turn the public deficit into a revenue producing asset and a project that will create more than 1,000 jobs.  Billions more can be saved simply by using our resources better, and be assured that I will remain committed to getting the federal government off its assets. Read More »

CUTTING RED TAPE: THE 437-DAY PLAN

Red tape and bureaucracy result in years of delay for infrastructure projects across the nation.  Expediting the federal project approval process would lead to significant savings and more rapid improvements to our aging and congested infrastructure. The bridge to replace the collapsed I-35 W bridge in Minnesota was contracted to be completed in just 437 days, and I am working to implement a national plan to expedite the process to build, repair and maintain our infrastructure system more efficiently.  There is no reason we cannot similarly expedite other projects around the country using a 437-Day plan.  Read More » 

CLEAN WATER COOPERATIVE FEDERALISM ACT

I am the author of the "Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act of 2011" which amends the Clean Water Act to restore the long-standing balance between federal and state partners in regulating the nation's waters, while preserving the system of cooperative federalism in which the primary responsibilities for water pollution control are allocated to the states.

This legislation, already agreed to in the House of Representatives, would encourage economic activity by eliminating unneeded and cumbersome EPA mandates which have done nothing to ensure the safety of our water resources. Read More »

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEXT GENERATION OF AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT (NEXTGEN)

Our air traffic control system is still dependent on 1970s era radar technology.  NextGen is a long-term, multi-billion dollar modernization project that includes replacing ground-based radar with satellite-based surveillance, redesigning aircraft approach and departure routes and replacing outdated aircraft avionics.  This new system is being developed in coordination with the FAA, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and other public and private entities.

Specifically, the NextGen Florida Test Bed in Daytona Beach is an example of how the federal government can harness private sector and academic resources in partnership to help modernize our air traffic control system and improve the safety and efficiency of U.S. aviation.  With the development of Next Generation air traffic control technology, software and systems in this area, we have the potential for one of the most significant high paying job opportunities since the start of the space program. Read More »

SUPPORTING LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCILS

The best ideas of how we can develop our local economy do not come from Washington, but rather from those local communities who best know their area’s strengths and potential.  I have worked with local economic development councils to provide with them with the support they need to cultivate our own local businesses and bring prospective employers to our State and District.  In these difficult economic times, I am certain that with our local, State and Federal partners, we are laying a strong foundation for the future.

SUNRAIL-MOVING FLORIDA

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND TRADE ASSISTANCE FORUMS

While serving the people of Florida’s Seventh Congressional District, I have often hosted forums to assist small businesses get off the ground and thrive and to provide guidance and assistance to those in our community who wish to export their products.

In 2012, I will again be coordinating a small business seminar.  I hope you will join us as we bring together local, State and Federal resources to explore potential opportunities.  To sign up to be notified of the time and location of our next forum, please feel free to sign up Here »

IMPROVING OUR COMMUNITY'S INFRASTRUCTURE

 A great deal of local commerce is tied to our transportation and infrastructure system.  I am pleased to have the opportunity to partner with local and State stakeholders as we work to improve access and connectivity.

Many exciting projects to improve our transportation system are recently completed or currently underway.  The Northeast Florida Regional Airport, Palatka Municipal Airport, Flagler County Airport, Orlando Sanford International Airport and most recently the Daytona Beach International Airport have all received Federal support to improve safety and improve services at their facilities.  Roadway improvements are also taking place across the region and public transit routes and service are expanding.

Our economy is dependent on moving goods and people.  I am pleased to see progress in our area and will continue to support further development to benefit our economy and create employment opportunities.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS-PROVIDING OPPORTUNITY TO OUR COMMUNITY YOUTH

Since being elected to the United States House of Representatives, I have worked vigorously to support the local Boys and Girls Clubs in Florida’s Seventh Congressional District.  The Boys and Girls Clubs offer constructive and safe environments for youths across central and northeast Florida; providing parents peace of mind as they work to provide for their families. 

Through federal grants and meeting directly with both local community leaders, I have worked closely with the BrightHouse/Spring Hill Boys and Girls Club in Volusia and Flagler, as well as the Boys and Girls Club of West Augustine, in obtaining improved facilities to achieve their goals in serving the children of Florida.  Such initiatives will help local children achieve their hopes and dreams, securing the future for their local communities and the State of Florida.

ST. AUGUSTINE SEAWALL

Natural disaster too often hits our community. Much of my work since coming to Congress entails proactively working to improve our community and help find means to safeguard against disaster.

The St. Augustine Seawall Project is just one example. This federal and community initiative will better protect historic features of the City of St. Augustine against future storms, while guarding families and businesses from calamity.

After I worked closely with the Bush Administration to get the project fully approved, the current Administration needlessly delayed the project, significantly increased its cost and compelled the City of St. Augustine to face the substantial risk of another hurricane season unprotected. I was able to intervene to allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to again approve the project.

I was pleased to participate in the ground breaking of this project in February which will make a significant impact in protecting our historic waterfront and finalize an important initiative for the community.

CASTILLO VISITOR CENTER AND OTHER PREPARATIONS FOR THE 450th

I was pleased to pass legislation in 2004 initiating building of a much-needed Visitors Center for the Castillo de San Marcos to better preserve the oldest masonry fort in the U.S. and to enhance the learning experience of more than 1.3 million annual Castillo visitors. Now the project’s design process continues with Federal support I helped to obtain in 2010 as we continue to narrow the options to fully fund the project. 

As you might imagine, modernizing a 16th Century masonry fort to accommodate 21st Century standards is prohibitive, while a new Visitors Center will give the millions of visitors to our community the best experience possible.  It will provide a vehicle to enhance their learning experience about St. Augustine’s several centuries of rich history by featuring historic artifacts, immersive technologies and rotating exhibits for them to enjoy.  Perhaps even more importantly, the new Visitors Center will provide them with very basic accommodations the site is currently lacking such as rest rooms and water fountains.  

REVITALIZING DOWNTOWN PALATKA

Starting in 2004 and finally coming to fruition in 2008, I worked with U.S. Housing and Urban Development and Palatka officials in successfully securing Federal approval to allow the city to replacing the aging Frank George Apartments.  Redeveloping and revitalizing this riverfront property along with the downtown area has great potential to be an economic driver in Putnam County.  I am committed to making sure this initiative.

FLORIDA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

In 2013, the lease will expire on the outdated Florida Army National Guard (FANG) Armed Forces Reserve Center in Daytona Beach.  Without a new facility, those soldiers who currently train in Daytona Beach will essentially be without a base of operations.  This lack of a facility will diminish the Army National Guard’s ability to maintain its high standard of readiness and will also affect the Guard’s recruiting and retention capabilities.

I have been working with local, State and Federal leaders to make sure that our National Guardsmen have the resources they need to complete any mission asked of them.  A new location that would serve their needs has been located and the focus now is getting the necessary funding for the relocation.  I have been in constant dialogue with the stakeholders and have even had an amendment to a House bill passed that would provide additional resources for Army National Guard construction.  While this legislation is still pending in the Senate, I remain committed to making sure this matter is resolved Read More »

REBUILDING AFTER DISASTER—THE MUSEUM OF ARTS & SCIENCES IN DAYTONA BEACH

Another important local project I have been working on is the Daytona Museum of Arts and Sciences’ (MOAS) effort to redesign and construct its West Wing utilizing a National Endowment for the Humanities Challenge Grant. Since the West Wing has flooded four times since November 1994, the purpose of the proposed project is to mitigate future flood damage by reconstructing the West Wing to an elevation above the base flood elevation.

As often happens in writing regulations attempting to cover the whole nation, an overly narrow Federal regulation was restricting Federal money from being utilized to reconstruct in a manner that will withstand future flooding. I was successful in obtaining passage of legislative language to broaden the grant enough to allow worthy projects of this nature to also competitively apply for this money.

The MOAS is now able to obtain the grant, and I look forward to the completion of this important local project.