Issue Position: Transportation

Issue Position

Funding for highways, bridges and other road infrastructure projects are partially funded through user fees paid into the Federal Highway Trust Fund. Cumulatively, since 1956, Oklahoma has received 98 percent of the fees paid into the fund back in allocations from the fund. In recent years, however, Oklahoma has received nearly 130 percent of the fees paid into the Highway Trust Fund.

The Highway Trust Fund is now close to being depleted because tax collections have declined over time, largely due to change in inflation, reductions in vehicle miles traveled and increased fuel economy standards. In fact, the federal fuel excise tax has not increased since 1993.

It is important to find a long-term solution to our infrastructure problem. I have introduced legislation with Congressman John Delaney (MD-06) that would create a private infrastructure bank to ensure vital investments are made to our roads. Clearly, the funding sources for the Highway Trust Fund are not adequate enough to keep up with the demands for maintaining and improving our infrastructure. Despite the challenges, I am committed to working to develop transportation and infrastructure solutions that benefit Oklahomans and all Americans.

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