The STARTER Act 2.0
H.R. 3341, introduced by Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO) and other Republican Committee leaders, is a long-term surface transportation reauthorization bill that provides historic levels of investment in America’s roads, bridges, and core infrastructure to meet the Nation’s growing transportation needs.
The Surface Transportation Advanced through Reform, Technology, & Efficient Review (STARTER) Act 2.0 provides more than $400 billion over five years – the largest percentage increase for these programs in the last quarter-century – for the federal highway, transit, and motor carrier and highway safety programs.
Reforms in the bill will also cut red tape to get meaningful transportation improvements completed in a timely manner, making federal investment go farther by actually getting projects done with fewer delays. The legislation lays out key Republican principles for a much-needed bipartisan agreement to authorize these programs before October, and it’s based upon similar legislation introduced last year with input from Committee and House Members, the transportation community, and others.
The STARTER Act 2.0:
Authorizes over $400 billion over five years – the largest percentage increase for surface transportation programs in the last quarter-century.
Prioritizes proven programs that address core infrastructure functions – by improving our core system of highways and bridges, facilitating commerce, and focusing on safety and efficiency.
Streamlines project delivery – by cutting red tape to reduce project delays and costs, putting federal dollars to work faster to improve our transportation system.
Meets rural America’s infrastructure needs – by investing in small and rural communities, where 71% of public road mileage runs.
Ensures flexibility for states and non-federal partners – by giving states more decision-making authority to meet their own unique infrastructure needs.
Fosters transportation innovation and technology – helping to improve transportation efficiency, safety, resiliency, and the environment.
Works to sustain the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) – by recognizing that continued reliance on fuel taxes is not a long-term solution to HTF solvency.
Supports building more resilient infrastructure – because every $1 invested in mitigation and resiliency saves $4 to $11, reduces risk, and saves lives.
Bill text of the STARTER Act 2.0
Section-by-section summary
Ranking Member Graves op-ed on the STARTER Act 2.0 (The Hill: May 12, 2021)
Press release on introduction of the STARTER Act 2.0 (May 19, 2021)
The following Members of Congress joined Ranking Member Sam Graves as original cosponsors of the STARTER Act 2.0: Reps. Rodney Davis (R-IL), Rick Crawford (R-AR), Bob Gibbs (R-OH), Garret Graves (R-LA), David Rouzer (R-NC), Daniel Webster (R-FL), Don Young (R-AK), Mike Bost (R-IL), Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Mike Gallagher (R-WI), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Tim Burchett (R-TN), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), Michael Guest (R-MS), Troy Nehls (R-TX), Nancy Mace (R-SC), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), and Vicky Hartzler (R-MO).
Press release: What They Are Saying about T&I Republicans’ STARTER Act 2.0 (June 3, 2021)
