U.S. House Passes Anti-Bike Transportation Bill
Minutes ago, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed (373-52) the Boxer-Mica “highway” bill that defunds the most important federal program for walking and bicycling. The 20 year “Transportation Enhancements” program, which has funded 10s of thousands of walking/cycling projects since 1992 (e.g. the Northern Delaware Greenway) will soon cease to exist if, as expected later today, the U.S. Senate also give its approval to Boxer-Mica.
“Make no mistake,” Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), the co-chair of the Congressional Bike Caucus said, “it is not a bill to be proud of.”
Rep. Blumenauer, Rep. John Carney (D-DE) and every member of their caucus voted for the bill. All 52 “nay” votes were from the Republican caucus.
RELATED:
• Rep. Mica: “Millions” Put Out of Work Unless His Highway Bill Passed Right Away
• AASHTO/TRB Study on Jobs Generated By Transportation Enhancements Projects
• Governor Markell Asks Congress to Protect Transportation Enhancements
• Why advocates are distraught over new U.S. transportation bill
• Bill To Defund Walking and Bicycling Likely To Pass in U.S. Congress
