Transportation and Infrastructure
One of the most valuable assets of our nation is the extensive transportation network we possess. A robust and efficient infrastructure is critical to growing the economy, driving down unemployment, and putting our country on track towards a balanced budget.
The Constitution makes it clear that one of the primary goals of the federal government is to establish roads and highways in order to facilitate commerce between the states. With this in mind, I plan on working hard in Congress to ensure we have a modern transportation network which meets the needs of western North Carolina and our country as a whole.
That is why I am honored to have been chosen by my colleagues to serve on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. This committee has jurisdiction over nearly every facet of roads, highways, railroads, waterways, and airports. It is of the utmost importance that we are developing policies for our transportation network that reflect modern-day needs. Moreover, the federal government must ensure we are implementing commonsense conservative regulatory policies that do not burden private-sector businesses dependent on an efficient infrastructure.
North Carolina’s 11th District, which I represent, is a regional hub connecting the South with the Mid-Atlantic. Between multiple major interstates, along with a significant railroad presence, the importance of the 11th District to our nationwide transportation network cannot be understated.
I look forward to working in Congress over the next 2 years, with both Republicans and Democrats, to develop and implement necessary reforms and policies allowing our infrastructure to grow and thrive well into the future.
More on Transportation and Infrastructure
Washington, D.C. – On Sunday, Congressman Mark Meadows (R-NC) sent a letter to DHS FEMA Administrator Gracia B. Szczech in support of Governor Pat McCrory’s (R-NC) request for a declaration of expedited major disaster in response to Hurricane Matthew.
Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, Rep. Mark Meadows’ (R-NC) proposal to stop the Tennessee Valley Authority’s plan to ban floating cabins passed the House as an amendment to the Water Resources Development Act 0f 2016 (WRDA).
Washington, D.C. -- On Tuesday, Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) introduced a bill that will temporarily add transportation options for federal workers.
Washington, D.C. – On Friday, Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) introduced a bill that would stop the Tennessee Valley Authority’s plan to ban floating cabins.
Earlier this year, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) announced their intentions to eventually outlaw floating cabins by proposing a 30-year “sunset” provision. The policy would negatively impact nearly 400 floating cabin owners on Lake Fontana in North Carolina, forcing hundreds of families to move from homes they have lived in for years while disastrously affecting their private assets and property values.
On the tail end of a long holiday weekend after members of Congress had left Washington to return home to their districts, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers announced the sweeping final “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule, which defines which streams, rivers, ponds, wetlands, ditches, and waterways are subject to the regulations of the Clean Water Act. The rule massively broadens the scope of the agency's power.
Washington, DC— Congressman Mark Meadows (R-NC) introduced the Prioritizing Reinvestment in Infrastructure and Military while Eliminating Debt Act (PRIMED Act) on Friday, which would create a temporary specialty tax break for companies that bring their foreign earnings to their U.S.-based operations. Rather than going to the U.S. Treasury, generated tax revenue would be dedicated solely to replenishing the Highway Trust Fund, strengthening the military and reducing the national debt.
Asheville, NC – The Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority has been awarded a $10 million grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation for use towards its ongoing airfield redevelopment project.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will distribute the funding, which will be used for the second phase of a four-year project that will result in the construction of a new runway and a west-side taxiway.
Washington, DC— Congressman Mark Meadows (R-NC) introduced the Federal Transit Modernization Act on Thursday, which would allow transit agencies to partner with the private sector and save taxpayer dollars.
House Republicans and Democrats sang in unison Wednesday about the need to come up with a solution to the transportation crisis before funding runs out May 31, but the bipartisan chorus may face speed bumps over paying for transit systems, and pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
Two weeks after meeting with Speaker John A. Boehner, District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser was back on Capitol Hill Thursday to meet with Democratic leaders and others to discuss D.C. issues, including Metro funding, marijuana legalization and autonomy.