U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (D-MO), ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, asked White House Senior Advisor and Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu for a full Committee briefing on the implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Graves said the briefing would provide congressional oversight; ensure the IIJA is being implemented according to Congress’ wishes; and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse.
“While I am aware that your Task Force has engaged in various media events and outreach to governors and mayors, you have yet to fully engage all relevant Members of Congress on these matters,” Graves said in his request letter to Landrieu.
Graves said it was important to ensure that states and entities receiving funding from the IIJA address specific needs and avoid past mistakes.
Citing the recent directive from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), which encouraged potential funding recipients to prioritize the repair, rehabilitation, reconstruction, replacement, and maintenance of existing infrastructure, “especially the incorporation of safety, accessibility, multimodal, and resilience features,” per the FHWA. “Projects to be prioritized include those that maximize the existing right-of-way for accommodation of non-motorized modes and transit options that increase safety, accessibility, and/or connectivity,” Graves said the guidance appears to prioritize investment based on the Biden administration’s agenda.
“We must ensure that eligible projects are evaluated on statutory criteria and are not penalized merely because they add capacity to our transportation network,” Graves said. “Therefore, we need insight into how the Task Force, the DOT, and other agencies plan to adhere to congressional intent and meet the deadlines mandated within IIJA. This will be essential to ensuring the responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars and protecting this substantial funding increase from waste, fraud, and abuse.”
Graves said Landrieu should brief the Committee no later than Feb. 9.