Bill seeks to save US Highway Trust Fund via Medicaid savings
May 30, 2015
WASHINGTON — A House Republican wants to save the Federal Highway Trust Fund from insolvency and he's targeting funds under the country's universal health care program to do it.
Arkansas Rep. Bruce Westerman has introduced a bill that would add up to $15 billion each year to the trust fund that maintains America's roads and bridges, which has faced chronic shortfalls and required nearly 30 short-term extensions since 2009. After Congress approved another short-term extension earlier this month, the fund is now set to expire July 31.
Westerman aims on shoring up the trust fund by adjusting the percentage of Medicaid match funds required by the country's Affordable Care Act, popularly known as Obamacare.