House panel expresses bipartisan support for highway bill A level of bipartisanship rarely seen anymore was on display as the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held the first markup of its five-year surface transportation reauthorization. The initial version of the five-year, $580 billion bill was unveiled earlier this week by Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.). Known as the “BUILD America 250 Act,” it includes many items sought by the trucking industry, including $750 million for truck parking. The legislation also enhances efforts to clean up truck driver training schools, improves the new entrant review process, and calls for the first national framework for autonomous commercial vehicles. During the May 21 hearing, which began at 10 am EDT and ran well into the evening, Republican members of the Committee highlighted the bill’s efforts to expedite projects by cutting red tape and giving state and local governments greater flexibility. Democrats led by ranking member Rick Larson (D-Wash.) said that while there were some items they disagreed with, the 1,005-page bill reflects the committee’s commitment to bipartisanship and would likely be approved when it eventually comes up for a vote. “Whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat, this bill delivers for your district and for your constituents, because it delivers for every single American,” said Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.). Graves said the legislation is meant to honor the legacy of the interstate highway system, while building upon it for future generations. Industry reaction to legislation is positive Reaction to the draft version of the Build America 250 Act from transportation and infrastructure groups has been mostly positive, with the Owner-Operators Independent Drivers Association calling it the most “pro-trucker” reauthorization proposal in recent history. “This surface transportation reauthorization contains many meaningful provisions that support the men and women who make their living behind