DOT Funding Bill Passes Senate Committee

A funding bill for the Department of Transportation (DOT) and other agencies cleared its first hurdle with Senate committee backing. 

The bill cleared the Senate Appropriations Committee by a 28-1 vote July 25, legislative records show. It will provide DOT with $110 billion in total funding for the coming fiscal year, according to a release from Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), who is the committee chair. 

Under the bill, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will receive $438.1 million, while $248 million is allocated for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Federal Highway Administration would get $512.7 million. 

The House version of the bill cleared its committee earlier this month. 

There are some differences between the two, with the House version blocking the FMCSA from implementing any rule requiring a speed limiting device for heavy duty vehicles. The Senate bill does not include that provision. 

States are not allowed to mandate trucking hours of service requirements above the federal standard under the House version, with the Senate version having no mention of the issue. 

Both bills are now on the chambers’ respective calendars for full votes.