2009 Transportation Bill
Mica: New Federal Transpo Bill Should Have the Need for Speed
The allure of misguided rhetoric doesn't discriminate between Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill. For every moment of questionable logic from one of the parties, a moment of good sense can usually be found.
June 17, 2009
Who Still Thinks the Federal Transportation Bill Will Pass On Time?
Rep. Jim Oberstar (D-MN), chairman of the House transportation committee, has vowed not to support any short-term extensions of the federal transportation bill that's poised to expire on September 30. But Oberstar's commitment to getting the dense legislation to the president's desk on time may be tested by leaders of his own party.
June 16, 2009
Oberstar’s Transportation Unveiling Moved to Thursday
Through a post on his Twitter feed, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Jim Oberstar (D-MN) reveals that his release of an outline for the next federal transportation bill has been pushed back by a day.
June 16, 2009
Oberstar to Release Transportation Outline on Wednesday
Jim Oberstar (D-MN), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, will release a "white paper" on his plans for the upcoming federal reauthorization bill in a press conference on Wednesday.
June 15, 2009
Illinois Congressman Pushes for Pro-Bike Transportation Bill
Rep. Daniel Lipinski (D-IL), an early supporter of the congressional "complete streets" bill, is circulating a letter to his House colleagues that urges support for pro-bike provisions in the upcoming federal transportation bill. Here's how Lipinski put it:
May 19, 2009
The Long, Ugly Road to a Federal Transportation Plan
You've likely been hearing a lot, on this blog and others, about the coming expiration of the federal transportation bill. Come September 30, Congress has to have a plan in hand to fund the nation's trains, buses, bikes, bridges and roads -- or pass an extension of the 2005 federal bill, locking in the same spending patterns that have nurtured Americans' addiction to the automobile.
May 19, 2009
Congress Reluctant to Shine Light on Transportation Earmarks
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is about to unveil a massive bill that will re-authorize federal transportation programs for the next six years. The bill will also include funding for a large number of "earmarks," the congressional pet projects that can include everything from bike trails to Bridges to Nowhere.
May 18, 2009
Congress Takes a First Step Towards Reshaping Transportation Policy
Could Washington's long, unhealthy love affair with the automobile be coming to an end? An encouraging sign of change came today from two powerful Democratic senators who released a proposal that sets out progressive goals for the upcoming federal transportation bill.
May 14, 2009
Who Cares About the Highway Trust Fund?
Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) is proposing today to make a small but crucial change in federal transit policy by requiring the nation's Highway Trust Fund to keep the interest money it accrues, rather than give it up for the government's general use.
May 14, 2009