Summary
Highlights
The committee on transportation and infrastructure convenes to consider several key pieces of legislation. The chairman outlines the procedural rules and announces the bills for consideration: the Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization Act, the Estuaries Act, and the PIPES Act of 2025. Unanimous consent is requested for various procedural matters, including the use of an amendments roster.
The committee addresses HR 4183, the Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization Act of 2025. Representative Dusty Johnson introduces an amendment in the nature of a substitute, emphasizing the importance of a functional Federal Maritime Commission for the American economy and its role in combating anti-competitive practices by foreign-flagged carriers, particularly those controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. He highlights policy wins such as extending FMC authorization through 2029, expanding advisory committees, and reinforcing the FMC's independent nature. Ranking Member Larson expresses bipartisan support, noting the bill's focus on clarifying the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022, standardizing shipping data, establishing advisory committees, and protecting American importers and exporters. Other members also voice strong support, acknowledging the importance of the bill in restoring maritime dominance and combating unfair trade practices.
The committee proceeds to HR 3962, the Estuaries Act. Representative Figures introduces an amendment in the nature of a substitute, sharing personal anecdotes about the Mobile Bay estuary and emphasizing the bill's bipartisan nature and its importance for environmental and economic benefits. The legislation reauthorizes the national estuary program through 2031, providing stability for 28 estuaries of national significance. Speakers highlight the role of estuaries in water quality, flood protection, and supporting industries. The bill also includes the addition of the Mississippi Sound to the program. Some members express concern about the federal government's role in local issues, arguing that such programs should be locally funded.
The committee moves on to HR 5301, the PIPES Act of 2025. Chairman Graves emphasizes the bill's bipartisan nature, the importance of safe and efficient energy transportation, and the 4-year reauthorization of the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration's pipeline safety program. Ranking Member Larson recounts tragic pipeline incidents, highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures and increased funding for FIMSA programs. The bill aims to ensure pipeline safety, address emerging infrastructure for carbon dioxide and hydrogen, hold operators accountable, and increase transparency. Members discuss the need for addressing geo-hazards and the safe transport of new substances like carbon dioxide and hydrogen. An amendment to strike provisions related to carbon dioxide pipelines is debated, with strong opposition from the chair and ranking member who argue against denying safety standards for infrastructure.
A manager's amendment is introduced, making technical changes and clarifying the use of drones and satellite technology for pipeline inspections. Discussions include amendments related to assessing the economic impact of pipeline failures (from Representative Skolton) and issues concerning regulatory clarity for in-plant gas piping (from Representative Fong), though these amendments are ultimately withdrawn to maintain bipartisan consensus on the primary bill.
The committee proceeds to votes on the postponed proceedings. The Estuaries Act (HR 3962) is agreed to and favorably reported. An amendment by Mr. Perry to the PIPES Act is not agreed to. The PIPES Act (HR 5301), as amended, is then agreed to and favorably reported to the House. Before voting, Ranking Member Larson welcomes Representative Maxwell Frost, the newest Democratic member, praising his background in community organizing and his focus on connecting people through transportation, advocating for public transit, labor, and sustainable solutions.