"This Congress has been charged by the American people with doing more with less," House T&I Committee Chairman John Mica, R-Florida, said in a statement. "The committee's views and estimates recognize the need to make difficult decisions about federal spending and outline priorities for funding reductions."

Under the Congressional Budget Act and House rules, each legislative committee is required to submit its views and estimates on the forthcoming budget to the Budget Committee to assist in the preparation of a budget resolution, which is to be completed by April 15. Last year, however, Congress never passed a budget resolution or any of the dozen appropriations bills. Funding for government operations is now continuing under a series of short-term extensions. (see related story)

The committee's views include stating a commitment to developing a long-term surface transportation reauthorization bill that stabilizes and keeps the Highway Trust Fund solvent without additional transfers from the General Fund. The document speaks in broad policy terms and does not provide recommended funding levels.

"As it considers ways to meet our infrastructure challenges by doing more with less, the committee will examine programs and policies that promote innovative financing and public/private partnerships, accelerate the project delivery process, better leverage existing revenues, eliminate surface transportation programs that are no longer in the federal interest, and consolidate duplicative programs," according to a statement released by the House T&I Committee. "The committee also supports reducing appropriations for Amtrak and ensuring full enactment of provisions in previous law to strengthen private-sector participation in U.S. intercity and high-speed passenger rail." (see related story)

The 30-page document, "Views and Estimates of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for Fiscal Year 2012," is available at bit.ly/HTIC-VE12.