Infrastructure
Infrastructure is the backbone of our national economy and our transportation system. We all have an interest in making sure that our roads and bridges are safe and modern, our water supplies are clean and reliable, and that our goods can get to market via truck, rail, barge, and air.
The Constitution gives the federal government the authority to develop our nation’s infrastructure and regulate interstate commerce, including infrastructure projects between states. Federal agencies like the United States Army Corps of Engineers also construct, maintain, and operate infrastructure to facilitate navigation, control floodwaters, and provide recreational opportunities. Other agencies provide expertise to help state and local entities with municipal water systems and watershed management.
I am committed to improving and expanding the national infrastructure on which our commerce and economy relies. However, in an era of budget deficits and unprecedented debt, the spending of every taxpayer dollar must be heavily scrutinized. I am committed to working on a bipartisan basis to reduce our nation’s staggering infrastructure backlog in a transparent and efficient manner that benefits our economy, reduces federal spending, and improves the lives of Kentucky families.
During the 113th Congress, I have been supported these infrastructure measures:
- I am an original cosponsor of H.R. 2084, the Partnership of Build America Act. This bipartisan legislation encourages American companies with funds stored overseas to bring those earnings back to the United States at a reduced tax rate, with a certain percentage of those funds then dedicated to finance infrastructure locally-selected infrastructure projects throughout the United States. This is a new and innovative way to invest in our nation’s infrastructure, without further burdening taxpayers or adding to the national debt.
- I voted in support of H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA). This reauthorization for United States Army Corps of Engineers infrastructure, flood prevention, and recreation projects is the first to fundamentally reform how the Corps’ projects are approved, planned, contracted, and constructed. The new procedures are designed to be more transparent and efficient, while reducing or expediting the significant backlog of authorized projects.
- I voted for H.R. 1765, the Reducing Flight Delays Act. This legislation provided the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with the authority and flexibility it needed to transfer funds between its accounts in order to avoid reduced operations and staffing in 2013.
More on Infrastructure
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that includes a provision Congressman Andy Barr introduced that would transfer the licensing authority for the Valley View Ferry from federal operating licensing to a state-based operating license.
H.R. 4005, the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014, was passed by a bipartisan voice vote and contains Congressman Barr’s bill, H.R. 2570, the Valley View Ferry Preservation Act of 2013.
WASHINGTON – Congressman Andy Barr released the following statement following President Obama’s State of the Union Address:
“Tonight, I had hoped to hear about how the President will reduce our exploding federal debt, protect the American people from the harmful effects of the new healthcare law, and grow the economy to create jobs for hardworking families who are suffering in this stagnant economy.
“Unfortunately, the President offered the same failed approach of more government spending, more job-crushing regulations, and higher taxes.
WASHINGTON –Congressman Andy Barr today released the following statement following House passage of the FY 2014 Omnibus Appropriations bill:
“The people of central and eastern Kentucky sent me to Washington to rein in out-of-control federal spending, save our country from bankruptcy, and promote the long-term growth of our economy and our workforce.
Mr. Barr:
The House has voted multiple times to fund the government and to prevent a shutdown.