WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today issued the following statement regarding the Senate’s passage of a bipartisan, six-year transportation funding bill, known as the Developing a Reliable and Innovative Vision for the Economy (DRIVE) Act:
“After weeks of debate, I am proud that the Senate has come to a consensus on a bipartisan, six-year transportation funding bill that will deliver the certainty and flexibility states need to advance critical infrastructure projects like Corridor H and the King Coal Highway,” said Senator Capito. “I have been a strong voice for West Virginia’s roads, bridges and highways throughout this debate, and I am encouraged that an overwhelming Senate majority recognizes the need for long-term federal investment in our transportation infrastructure. Now that the Senate has come together to pass a multi-year highway bill, it is time for the House to do the same.”
The DRIVE Act now goes to the U.S. House of Representatives. The House is expected to consider a long-term highway bill following the August recess in September.
The Senate also passed a short-term highway bill today, which extends the Highway Trust Fund’s contract authority for three months to give the House time to consider a long-term highway bill. The short-term highway bill has passed the House and now goes to the President to be signed into law.
The short-term highway bill also includes several improvements to the VA Choice Program. These include provisions to exclude service members and veterans from the calculation of the Obamacare employer mandate, expand access to the VA Choice program for more veterans, and allow veterans with service connected disabilities to make contributions to Health Savings Accounts. The short-term bill also addresses the $3 billion shortfall in VA accounts in order to maintain normal hospital operations.
“Caring for the men and women who have honorably served our nation is one of my top priorities. I am optimistic that these provisions will lead to improved care for West Virginia’s veterans and will continue working to ensure our significant veteran population receives the care and support they deserve,” added Senator Capito.