TNI Democrats highlight Bipartisan Infrastructure Law gains, new bills and Amtrak growth

Rick Larson, ranking member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, used a brief update to tout recent infrastructure milestones and bipartisan bills advanced by committee Democrats.

Larson said the American Society of Civil Engineers report card rose to a C and declared, "Funding for the bipartisan infrastructure law is working," adding that "Amtrak announced record ridership and revenue in 2025" as evidence the law has had measurable impact. He said House Democrats on the committee offered "125 amendments" aimed at protecting transportation funding, which he said Republican members rejected.

The update listed several legislative items the committee advanced. Larson said the Bipartisan Pipes Act of 2025 would make "thousands of miles of pipelines across the country" safer. He also described a bill to provide "better mental health support to pilots, air traffic controllers, and other aviation workers." On maritime and emergency management, Larson said the Coast Guard Authorization Act invests in personnel and readiness and that the FEMA Act of 2025 would "dramatically reform FEMA and bring it back to a cabinet level department."

Larson framed these items as part of a broader effort to defend public servants and preserve transportation funding amid disputes with the Trump administration, saying the committee has pushed back against what he described as an "unlawful freezing of transportation dollars." The remarks were delivered as a short, promotional update and did not include formal votes, bill text, or details on timelines for floor consideration.

Larson closed the segment with credits and a holiday greeting, saying, "Happy New Year."