U.S. Infrastructure Bill Faces Critical Challenges Amid Funding Shortfalls

By Solange Reyner | Thursday, 06 November 2025 02:23 PM EST

Rep. Sam Graves, R-Mo., highlighted the urgency of addressing infrastructure challenges during an interview with Newsmax, stating that the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill could be the most significant infrastructure initiative since the creation of the U.S. Interstate Highway System.

Graves, who chairs the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, emphasized the growing disparity between the nation’s deteriorating road and bridge systems and the dwindling resources available to address them. “We’ve had 11 surface transportation bills, and I’ve helped write five of them,” he said. “But we’ve never faced a situation where the need is so great while funding sources are shrinking.”

The primary federal infrastructure funding mechanism, the Highway Trust Fund, established in 1956, relies heavily on taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel. However, declining revenues have raised concerns as vehicles become more fuel-efficient and electric vehicle adoption increases. “Our highway and bridge system is funded through fuel tax,” Graves explained. “But we’re seeing a depletion because some drivers are effectively getting a free ride.”

While advocating for small-government principles, Graves argued that all users of infrastructure should contribute fairly. “I’m a small-government conservative who dislikes taxes, but I believe in user fees,” he said. “Electric vehicles aren’t paying into the system, and hybrids pay significantly less. That must change.”

Proposed solutions include mileage-based fees or alternative funding mechanisms to ensure equitable contributions from all drivers. Graves also noted President Trump’s support for the initiative, calling it a critical effort to modernize infrastructure funding. “This is a big bill,” he said. “It could redefine how the nation funds and maintains roads for decades.”