An attempt by the Biden administration to control new infrastructure dollars has been foiled by the Congressional Review Act.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has delt a setback to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) as part of the Congressional Review Act.
The GAO determined that a December 2021 memo from the Federal Highway Administration, intended to guide states in IIJA funding programs, went too far in establishing policy, rather than just listing legal requirements.
“Senate Environment and Public Works Committee ranking member Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), who requested the GAO analysis in February, said GAO's ruling means she will introduce a CRA resolution of disapproval of the memo, which has long been a source of angst for Republicans,” according to a paywalled article by Alex Duagherty that has been republished on the Senator Capito’s website. Capito is expected to take additional steps to solidify the Republican party’s intentions for the IIJA.
The GAO’s decision, published on December 15, is available online in addition to the December 2021 FHWA memo.
FULL STORY: GAO calls FHWA infrastructure law memo a rule Congress can review
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The grant program focuses on the use of technology to improve safety, accessibility, and efficiency in transportation.
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Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) AmeriCorps Program
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This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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