REP. NANCY MACE SUPPORTS H. 3801: CUTTING RED TAPE TO MAXIMIZE FEDERAL INFRASTRUCTURE DOLLARS

Nonpartisan bill would unlock millions in federal transportation funds currently trapped by state bureaucratic procurement rules

Congresswoman Nancy Mace, candidate for Governor of South Carolina, today announced her strong support for H. 3801, legislation that would remove bureaucratic obstacles preventing the South Carolina Department of Transportation from fully utilizing federal infrastructure funding.

The bill, which passed the House unanimously 102-0, expands exemptions from state procurement requirements to include transportation planning, enabling DOT to access millions in annual federal highway planning funds that South Carolina currently cannot fully utilize due to restrictive contract caps.

“This is exactly the kind of common-sense reform South Carolina needs,” said Rep. Mace. “We have millions in federal dollars sitting on the table that we can’t touch because of bureaucratic red tape. When I’m Governor, cutting through red tape will be a top priority. Every dollar we leave on the table is a dollar that doesn’t go toward fixing our roads.”

Under current state procurement rules, contracts for engineering firms are limited to $300,000 over two years with individual projects capped at $100,000, thresholds too low to meet federal planning requirements. H. 3801 removes these barriers while maintaining appropriate oversight.

“I’ve spent my time in Congress bringing federal dollars home to South Carolina for roads and bridges,” Rep. Mace continued. “As Governor, we’ll use every dollar we’re entitled to. This bill is a step in the right direction, and I urge the Senate Finance Committee to move it forward without delay.”

The bill is currently before the Senate Finance Committee after receiving unanimous bipartisan support in the House.