Ranking Member Johnson Introduces Surface Transportation R&D Legislation
(Washington, DC) – Today, Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) introduced H.R. 3458, the Connected Transportation Research and Innovation Act of 2015. The bill would reauthorize research and development activities within the Department of Transportation (DOT). The title reflects the national effort to increase implementation of intelligent transportation systems, particularly connected vehicle technology, as well as to reflect the need to move towards a more intermodal transportation system that seamlessly connects all modes of transportation, including highways, transit, rail, and ports.
Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) said, “As Ranking Member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee and a senior Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I am pleased to introduce this bill that would reauthorize a robust R&D agenda at DOT. The long-term viability of our transportation system is largely dependent on quality research and the development of new innovative transportation technologies and materials that will make our transportation infrastructure safer, stronger, and more sustainable. As transportation continues to become more high tech, it is important that we incorporate transportation applications in the teaching of STEM fields so that our students are prepared to join the workforce in this important area. Because of that, one of my priorities is to ensure that DOT’s R&D programs have the resources they need. I also want to make sure that the Department’s research programs are effective, well-coordinated, and prioritized.
“It is also imperative that we move not just the R&D aspects, but also take action on a multi-year, bipartisan surface transportation reauthorization bill with adequate funding levels to address our nation’s crumbling infrastructure and that will provide our state DOTs, rail, and transit authorities with the stability they need to plan long-term projects. There are no Democratic or Republican bridges or roads. This issue is far too important to the American people and our economy for us not to come together and send a bill to the President’s desk, and I sincerely hope that some of the provisions in this bill will be in the final enacted legislation.”
Original cosponsors of the legislation include: Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD), Rep. Elizabeth Esty (D-CT), Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY), Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL), Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA), Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Ed Perlmutter (D-CO), and Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX).
To view the bill, click here.
To view a summary of major provisions within the bill, click here.
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