Welcome to the second edition of the Rouzer Roadmap, a policy-focused newsletter for those tracking the issues impacting transportation and infrastructure throughout America.
Congressman Rouzer has been busy leading roundtables and meeting with industry leaders and stakeholders one-on-one in preparation of crafting a Surface Reauthorization package this fall.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure has also held several successful hearings and markups since the first edition of the Rouzer Roadmap was sent. Members have worked hard to advance legislation out of committee and off the House Floor. Read more below!
If you have any questions, comments, or topics you would like to see covered, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
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Congressman Rouzer held a roundtable and press conference in Wilmington with key transportation and infrastructure stakeholders, including Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Administrator Sean McMaster, NCDOT Secretary Joey Hopkins, and Head of Government Affairs for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Rodney Davis, to highlight the vital need for surface transportation reauthorization.
Bringing together small business leaders, transportation professionals, and state and federal partners for a local roundtable and press conference wasn’t just about discussion, it is about delivering results. Surface transportation reauthorization directly impacts the movement of goods and people. Our roads, bridges and rail benefit all aspects of our economy. Our collaboration and focus is on building a stronger, more connected future that will benefit all.
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Read what roundtable attendees had to say about the event below.
“The U.S. Chamber is excited to work with Congressman Rouzer and other leaders in Congress to help solve our long-term infrastructure challenge. The federal government provides critical support for the roads and bridges that keep America moving and businesses competitive. We appreciate Congressman Rouzer’s leadership as we begin the tough work of reauthorizing the surface transportation bill,” said Rodney Davis, Head of Government Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
“I want to thank Congressman Rouzer and all of our federal, state, and local partners for coming together today to discuss the future of surface transportation. This roundtable was an important opportunity to align our priorities and ensure North Carolina’s infrastructure needs are front and center in the national conversation on reauthorization. Collaboration across every level of government is essential to delivering a safer, more efficient, and more resilient transportation network for the people of our state,” said Joey Hopkins, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
Click here for local coverage of the event.
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Recently, H.R. 4669, the Fixing Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act of 2025 advanced out of Committee. H.R. 4669 streamlines disaster response and recovery while also making the Federal Emergency Management Agency an independent, cabinet-level agency directly accountable to the President. The bipartisan bill includes multiple legislative provisions championed by Congressman Rouzer to benefit coastal communities.
Congressman Rouzer's personal priorities included in the FEMA Act of 2025: - Duplication of Benefits Victim Relief Act: makes clear SBA loans and private charitable donations are not considered duplicative when applying for FEMA Individual Assistance
- State-Managed Disaster Relief Act: creates an alternate, lump-sum option for small disasters so states can move quickly without months of paperwork
- Natural Disaster Recovery Program Act: puts families back in their homes faster and at a lower cost through major reforms to FEMA's Emergency Home Repair Program
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The legislation also incentivizes effective state and local preparedness, protects taxpayers, cuts red tape, and ensures disaster relief efforts are fast, fair, and free from political bias.
Watch Congressman Rouzer's remarks above for full details on his priorities in the FEMA Act of 2025.
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Earlier this month, Congressman Rouzer, Chairman of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee, led a bipartisan closed-door roundtable discussion with transit and law enforcement officials as well as stakeholders to discuss the need to identify actionable solutions to improve safety on publicly funded transportation systems, which will also restore the public’s trust in transit.
The recent deadly stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on Charlotte’s light rail is a stark reminder safety must be at the center of our national transit conversation. While law enforcement and the justice system have their obligations to keep the public safe and ensure that justice prevails, Congress has an obligation to address any shortcomings that threaten public safety and implement appropriate measures of deterrence and prevention. This roundtable was an essential step in ensuring every rider can feel safe when they step onto public transit. By bringing together transit leaders and law enforcement, we’re focused on real, actionable solutions to protect riders, strengthen community confidence, and uphold the fundamental promise of safe, accessible public transportation systems for all Americans.
The T&I Committee and the Highways and Transit Subcommittee are in the ongoing process of developing a major bipartisan surface transportation reauthorization bill for this Congress. This bill will provide funding authorizations and policy changes for federal highways, transit, and other surface transportation programs. One of the chairman’s goals for the transit portion of the reauthorization bill is to make transit work for communities of all sizes by ensuring that transit services are safe and reliable. Criminal activity on transit systems can undermine public confidence, decrease ridership, and damage the effectiveness and sustainability of those systems.
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The National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association (NSSGA) awarded Congressman Rouzer with their annual ROCKSTAR Award. They present it to two Members of Congress who go above and beyond for the aggregate industry.
Rep. Rouzer received the award due to his commitment to the aggregates industry through his work on Clean Water Act reform, the PERMIT Act, and Waters of the United States (WOTUS).
NSSGA is the leading advocate for the U.S. aggregates industry, representing producers of crushed stone, sand, and gravel. They champion policies promoting safe, sustainable, and efficient use of aggregates.
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Congressman Rouzer toured San Bernardino County to view firsthand regional infrastructure and wildfire-prone areas critical to California’s emergency response capabilities and the national supply chain. The visit, hosted by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, emphasized the region’s role in supporting national logistics and goods movement and the critical need for investment in public safety infrastructure.
The tour included an aerial overview of major regional transportation projects over the I-10 and I-15 freeways, one of the nation’s worst bottlenecks, the Cajon Pass, and key corridors in the High Desert that are vital to the movement of goods and people, as well as burn scar areas from wildfires and emergency access routes.
This region plays a vital role in our nation’s supply chain and disaster response framework. The visit provided insight into the challenges and opportunities San Bernardino County faces in protecting lives and supporting the movement of goods across the country. As T&I works on the next surface transportation bill, Congressman Rouzer has taken San Bernadino County’s priorities back to Washington to ensure areas like theirs are considered in legislative conversations.
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Congressman Rouzer had an insightful tour of Mann+Hummel Purolator Filters in Fayetteville during the August District Work Period! He's proud to see world-class manufacturing and innovation happening right in NC-07 and grateful for their role in creating jobs and driving our local economy forward. |
Congressman Rouzer also visited CSX Davis Yard in Leland in August. Freight rail plays a vital role in keeping NC-07 and the entire country connected and competitive. As Chairman of the Highways & Transit Subcommittee, he's committed to investing in the infrastructure — both on roads and rails — which powers our economy.
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As chairman of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee, Congressman Rouzer is proud to join the nation in celebrating National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Our truck drivers are the backbone of America’s economy, keeping goods moving across the nation every single day. Their hard work and dedication ensure store shelves remain stocked, hospitals receive critical supplies, and businesses can operate smoothly. It’s a demanding job that requires skill, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to safety.
As a policymaker, Congressman Rouzer feels a responsibility to ensure our transportation infrastructure supports their work, providing safe and efficient roads that enable them to deliver goods without delay. He remains committed to advancing policies that improve highway safety, reduce congestion, and invest in the future of freight transportation.
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