Senate Debating House’s $7B Trust Fund Fix, With 4 GOP Amendments
The Senate began debate this morning on the $7 billion rescue of the nation's highway trust fund that was passed by the House late yesterday, with four GOP amendments slated for a vote.
July 30, 2009
Senate Panel Backs $1.2B for High-Speed Rail, $1.2B Extra for Highways
The Senate panel in charge of transportation spending has just released its version of the budget bill that passed the House last week, giving less to high-speed rail and more to highways than the lower chamber of Congress.
July 29, 2009
Four Senators Propose Pushing States to Ban Texting While Driving
Four Democratic senators introduced legislation today that would
offer states a choice: ban texting and e-mailing while driving within
two years or lose 25 percent of their federal highway money.
July 29, 2009
Your Burger or Your Car (And More Fun with False Dichotomies)
The Washington Post's Ezra Klein, whose blog is a must-read look at the political dynamics of congressional policy-making, makes an eyebrow-raising assertion in his food column today:
July 29, 2009
How Soon Will Cutting Transportation Emissions Save Money?
Anyone
who kept tabs on the House's climate change bill last month recalls
much acrimonious ado about the plan's impact on average American
pocketbooks. The GOP tossed out cost estimates that turned out to be manipulated, while nonpartisan projections showed the bill actually saving money for low-income families.
July 28, 2009
Oberstar to White House: On Emissions, Back Up Your Words With Action
Appearing this morning at the release of a new report
on transportation's role in fighting climate change, House
transportation committee chairman Jim Oberstar (D-MN) challenged the
Obama administration to back up their emissions rhetoric with action
and pass his six-year, $450 billion infrastructure bill.
July 28, 2009
Make-or-Break Week for Transportation Begins on the Hill
After weeks of uncertainty and tension, the congressional impasse
over long-term transportation funding is headed for resolution this
week -- but the reprieve may be temporary.
July 27, 2009
From the Dept. of Mixed Messages: LaHood Touts ‘Cash for Clunkers’
Two weeks ago, Ray LaHood candidly addressed
the need to reduce the nation's vehicle miles traveled in order to halt
the devastating effects of climate change. But the Transportation
Secretary had a decidedly different message today.
July 27, 2009
Lawmakers Pitch Transport Funding Ideas, From VMT to Freight Taxes
Leaders of the House transportation committee, doggedly pursuing a
six-year, $450 billion infrastructure bill this year, pressed their
case this morning before Ways and Means Committee colleagues who must
approve a new funding mechanism for their massive legislation.
July 23, 2009
Cardin & Carper Bullish on Transit’s Prospects in Senate Climate Bill
Addressing a climate change forum this morning, two Democrats on the
Senate environment committee said they are pushing for transit and
other green modes of transport to get 10 percent of the revenue generated by the upcoming Senate bill regulating carbon emissions.
July 22, 2009