SC New York News

U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (NY-19) has requested that the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hold a field hearing in New York to address Governor Kathy Hochul's decision to pause congestion pricing. The Governor’s action, which was taken following reports of the plan's unpopularity and financial pressure on working New Yorkers, has left a $1 billion budgetary shortfall for the state.

Rep. Molinaro stated, "Governor Hochul’s decision to pause the flawed plan was strictly for political purposes and now leaves a billion-dollar gap in the state’s budget, leading Governor Hochul to look to take taxpayer dollars from across the state, not just New York City." He further questioned whether federal funds were involved in planning and other aspects of the project, which had been approved by the Federal Highways Administration (FHWA).

Molinaro emphasized that a field hearing would enable Congress to provide oversight and accountability. He urged that Governor Hochul and FHWA Administrator Shailen Bhatt be invited to address these concerns.

The full text of Rep. Molinaro's letter highlights his belief that political considerations influenced Governor Hochul's decision, citing advice from House Minority Leader Jeffries regarding its impact on competitive Congressional races for Democrats in New York.

In his letter, Molinaro called for clarity on whether federal dollars were used in the paused program and expressed concern about potential financial repercussions for Upstate New Yorkers due to what he described as "executive incompetence."

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