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Hearing Analysis
Overview
On February 11, 2026, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, chaired by Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO-6), held a markup session to consider several bipartisan measures. The primary focus of the session included the reauthorization of environmental grants, the promotion of domestic manufacturing in distressed communities, the modernization of federal real estate management, and the authorization of commemorative events for fallen law enforcement officers.
The committee first considered H.R. 7376, the Local Water Protection Act, introduced by Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-MI-3) and Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL-21). This legislation seeks to reauthorize the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) nonpoint source management grants program under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA-2) emphasized that nonpoint source pollution—which includes runoff from farms, forests, and urban areas—is a primary driver of impaired water bodies and harmful algal blooms. Rep. Scholten provided specific evidence of the program's impact, citing the restoration of Muskegon Lake and the ongoing cleanup of the Plaster Creek Watershed in Michigan. She noted that federal investment has allowed for the planting of 60,000 native plants and the restoration of 1,100 feet of streambank to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus loads.
Policy Proposals
While the bill enjoyed broad support, Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA-10) voiced significant opposition. He characterized the grant program as a "bribe" to states to enforce federal regulations on "rain and snowmelt." Rep. Perry argued that the program imposes regulatory burdens on private property owners and that such environmental management should be the responsibility of states and localities rather than the federal government. Despite these objections, the bill was favorably reported to the House.
Overview
The committee then turned to H.R. 7342, the Made in America Jobs Act of 2026, introduced by Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-CO-3) and Rep. Shomari Figures (D-AL-2). The bill authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to prioritize Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants for projects that reshore manufacturing jobs to economically distressed or rural communities. Rep. Hurd highlighted the "brain drain" in rural America, noting that well-paying manufacturing jobs are essential to keeping young residents in their home communities. Ranking Member Larsen noted that this bill builds upon the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024, which previously updated EDA criteria. Rep. Perry again offered a dissenting view, arguing that the EDA already possesses these authorities and that government-funded economic development often fails to produce results compared to private sector investment. The bill was adopted and favorably reported.
Policy Proposals
The third major item was H.R. 7388, the Smart Space Act of 2026, introduced by Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO-7). This legislation directs the General Services Administration (GSA) to explore alternative financing solutions, specifically public-private partnerships (P3s), for the construction, renovation, and disposal of federal buildings. Rep. Burlison argued that the federal government is currently maintaining billions of dollars worth of underutilized or crumbling real estate. By leveraging private sector expertise and capital, the bill aims to reduce the maintenance backlog and modernize the federal footprint without requiring immediate, massive upfront appropriations.
Ranking Member Larsen supported the measure, noting that federal real property management has been on the Government Accountability Office (GAO) "high-risk list" since 2003. He pointed out that current Office of Management and Budget (OMB) scoring rules often prevent the efficient use of P3s by requiring full upfront funding. During the markup, Rep. Eleanor Norton (D-DC) introduced an amendment to ensure that the definition of "state" in the bill explicitly includes the District of Columbia, given the high concentration of federal assets in the city. Rep. Perry sought clarification on whether this implied statehood for the District, but the amendment and the underlying bill were ultimately approved.
Overview
Finally, the committee considered House Concurrent Resolution 73, which authorizes the use of the Capitol grounds for the 45th annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition in May 2026. The resolution, introduced by Rep. Perry and Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ-4), serves to honor law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Rep. Perry shared a somber account of three officers from his district—Detective Sergeant Cody Michael Baker, Detective Isaiah D. Eimenheiser, and Detective Mark Edward Baker—who were killed in an ambush in 2025. Rep. Mike Ezell (R-MS-4), a 42-year veteran of law enforcement, and Rep. Mast also spoke in strong support of the resolution, emphasizing the risks faced by officers daily. The resolution passed with unanimous support.
The hearing concluded with the committee favorably reporting all four measures to the House. Chairman Graves authorized the staff to make technical and conforming changes to the legislation and granted members two days to file supplemental or dissenting views. The session demonstrated a clear bipartisan consensus on infrastructure and economic development, though it also highlighted recurring ideological divides regarding the scope of federal regulatory authority and the efficiency of government-led economic programs.
Transcript
[Gavel sounds.]
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