Washington, DC - Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, today released the following statement regarding H.R. 2, the surface transportation or “My Way or the Highway” bill proposed by House Democrats.

“A surface transportation bill must be passed every 5 years and traditionally is developed with bipartisan input and support. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen this year with House Democrats choosing instead to introduce a completely partisan bill without any Republican input. Furthermore, this bill does more to enact Liberal Green New Deal policies than improve our infrastructure. Nearly $200 billion or $2 out of every $5 dollars would be spent on achieving goals in the Green New Deal legislation.

“Americans should be disheartened that this is the path Speaker Pelosi has forced on the rank and file in both parties. I again urge Democrats to abandon this partisan posturing and work with Republicans just like we worked with Democrats when we were in the majority. We will make better policy for the whole nation and produce a product that can be signed into law.”

In 24-hours, with little notice, Democrats added an additional $1 trillion of spending. Some of the so-called infrastructure projects in this highway bill includes:

• $325 million for electric school buses.
• $25 billion for the Postal Service, with a requirement to purchase electric vehicles.
• $100 billion for housing programs.
• $130 billion for school construction.
• $60 million to the fund Reforestation Trust Fund, including tree planting, seeding fertilization and timber stand improvements.
• $50 million for San Francisco Bay Restoration.
• $5 million for a new grant program to replace water fountains at public playgrounds and parks.