Senate Commerce Committee Republicans Expose “Woke” Funding Ties
Hey there, folks! Have you heard the latest buzz from the corridors of power? It’s all about an internal memo that’s been making the rounds among our lawmakers, and let me tell you, it’s stirring up quite the conversation. The memo, which comes straight from the Senate Commerce Committee Republicans, is shining a spotlight on how the Biden administration is weaving billions of taxpayer dollars into what they’re calling “woke initiatives.”
The Memo’s Origins and Intentions
So, who’s behind this intriguing document? None other than the Commerce Committee’s Ranking Member, Ted Cruz from the great state of Texas. He’s not just raising the alarm; he’s gearing up to pen some legislation that would put the brakes on the Department of Transportation (DOT) from linking federal funds to these left-leaning priorities. Specifically, Cruz and his team are taking aim at how the DOT manages three grant programs that are the lifeblood for various surface transportation projects across the nation.
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. The memo pulls no punches, stating, “Billions upon billions of taxpayer dollars meant for infrastructure projects are tied to woke initiatives.” Moreover, it argues that these initiatives are more about dismantling America’s infrastructure under the guise of ‘equity’ and ‘climate change‘ than about building the roads, bridges, and highways that stitch our country together.
Controversial Funding Notices and the DOT’s Stance
Furthermore, the memo doesn’t shy away from controversy, taking a stand against what it calls the “absurd concept of ‘racist roads’” and urging Congress to ensure that DOT funding notices stick to the letter of the law, rather than veering off into woke territory.
Now, let’s talk about Pete Buttigieg, the Transportation Secretary, who’s been in the spotlight for announcing that his agency was all set to accept applications for some pretty hefty grant programs. We’re talking about the National Infrastructure Project Assistance, Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA), and Rural Surface Transportation Grant programs, which together got a $5.6 billion boost from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021.
Buttigieg’s vision for these grants? To support “transformational infrastructure projects across the nation.” However, the DOT’s Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) adds a twist: recipients must address equity and climate concerns broadly.
Equity and Climate Change in the Spotlight
According to the DOT’s NOFO, if projects haven’t given enough thought to equity and barriers to opportunity, or if they haven’t considered climate change and environmental justice, they’ll need to shape up before they see a dime for construction. These funding conditions are a nod to President Biden’s day-one executive order focused on advancing racial equity and supporting underserved communities.
But wait, there’s more! Cruz isn’t just sounding the alarm; he’s taking action. He’s poised to introduce a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution that would challenge what he describes as ‘woke’ anti-highway policy in DOT grants. This resolution is also set to take a swing at other DOT policies that paint road building as a promoter of “automobile dependence” and frown upon highway expansion projects that don’t include electric vehicle charging stations or bike lanes.
The memo doesn’t mince words, claiming that these additional requirements will skew the playing field in favor of states that want to beef up mass transit and bike paths, rather than those looking to build roads. It calls out the DOT funding notice for ensuring that applicants won’t get construction funds unless they’re on board with the administration’s views on climate and equity.
Addressing Historical Injustices in Infrastructure
For a long time, groups like the American Civil Liberties Union and various activists have argued that U.S. cities have used highway infrastructure to perpetuate racist discrimination. Buttigieg has been vocal about wanting to right the wrongs of past racist policies that influenced infrastructure decisions.
He’s been quoted saying that racism is “physically built into some of our highways,” and that’s why there’s a commitment in the jobs plan to reconnect communities that were divided by these projects. In June 2022, Buttigieg launched the $1 billion Reconnecting Communities program, aiming to mend the infrastructure policies that have split communities and cut off neighborhoods from economic opportunities.
Buttigieg has acknowledged the harsh reality that some infrastructure projects were deliberately routed through vibrant communities, sometimes to reinforce segregation or because those communities had less power to resist. In some cases, it was even an effort to replace or eliminate Black neighborhoods.
As for the DOT’s response to all this? Well, they haven’t chimed in just yet.
So there you have it, friends! A peek into the ongoing tussle over infrastructure funding and the role of equity and climate considerations. It’s a debate that’s sure to keep the wheels of conversation turning for quite some time. Stay tuned for more Updates from the world of politics and policy!
