Note: This press release was provided by the Maryland House Republican Caucus.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. – In reaction to today’s release of an audit of the State Highway Administration (SHA) that revealed an effort to hide a significant chunk of the deficit in the Transportation Trust Fund, House Republicans today called for an investigation into SHA’s actions.
According to the audit released today from the Department of Legislative Audits, SHA officials charged nearly $360 million in unauthorized expenses to federal funds in an intentional attempt to minimize the deficit in the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF). From 2020 to 2025, unauthorized federal fund expenditures increased by 3,523%, with the most significant increases occurring since June 2023. As the federal granting agency has not authorized the funding for those projects, this funding will now have to come from the TTF, which ultimately comes from the pockets of Marylanders.
“This is a stunning budget shortfall,” said House Minority Leader Jason Buckel. “Over the last two years, the Governor and Democratic Leadership have imposed massive tax and fee increases on Maryland drivers to close gaps in the Transportation Trust Fund. To now be told there has been an ongoing effort, bordering on malfeasance, to hide the true breadth of that deficit is incredibly disturbing. The Attorney General must review these findings.”
The audit indicated that the rapid increase in unauthorized federal expenditures was first reported to the Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline operated by the Office of Legislative Audits. According to the audit, the findings were not referred to the Attorney General’s Criminal Division.
“The Attorney General should really take a look at this,” said House Minority Whip Jesse Pippy. “The citizens of Maryland have been forced to pay significantly more for transportation. Whether that be in registration fees or gasoline costs. Now, not only has their trust been violated, but they may be on the hook for even more costs. This goes beyond gross mismanagement; this could be fraudulent activity. Our citizens deserve better.”