Congressman Merrill Cook briefs Utah House on transportation reauthorization and opposes proposed tribal nuclear site

Congressman Merrill Cook (U.S. House, Second Congressional District) addressed the Utah House in Committee of the Whole to discuss the federal transportation reauthorization and other federal policy issues. Cook told members he believed a reauthorization was likely and presented a range of scenarios for Utah’s federal transportation funding over six years: roughly $400 million on the low end (Senate approach) up to $750 million in a more expansive House package that includes discretionary "High Cost Interstate Reconstruction" and "Olympic Host City" provisions.

Cook said the delegation had secured changes to the formula that would increase Utah’s minimum share even under a less generous bill and argued the House approach — which he favored — would deliver the largest gains. Members asked for detail about discretionary awards and whether Utah’s bid for Olympics‑related funding could match larger states’ outcomes; Cook acknowledged uncertainty and described the estimates as a negotiated range rather than a guarantee.

On the Goshute high‑level nuclear waste proposal, Cook said he opposed the plan and had filed legislation in Congress to try to prevent it. He characterized some federal officials’ positions as insufficiently consultative with state leaders and promised to press the White House and federal agencies about liability, consultation, and community impact.

The floor exchange that followed included questions about budget accounting, mandates and whether federal budgeting practices truly reduced the deficit. Cook said the deficit is shrinking but not honestly balanced, and he advocated for budget reforms (lockbox proposals) to ensure spending cuts are preserved.