2009 Transportation Bill
30 House Dems Back Transportation Tax on Wall Street Oil Speculators
More than a month after he first proposed the idea, Rep. Pete DeFazio (OR) -- along with 29 fellow Democrats -- has introduced legislation that would levy a small tax on oil futures trades in order to close the yawning gap in the federal transportation budget.
August 10, 2009
“Build America Bonds” Having a Big Week — Is the Transport Bill Next?
With the nation's highway trust fund facing a $200-billion-plus shortfall over the next 10 years, finding new sources of revenue for transportation innovation is one of the toughest long-term challenges that Congress faces. One possible solution, however, lies no further than this week's business pages.
August 4, 2009
How — and When — Can D.C. Help Local Transport Reform Happen?
In a new op-ed for Citiwire, former Indianapolis mayor and GOP member of Congress Bill Hudnut suggests six ways that Washington can train the nation's 350-plus metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) into tools for smart and environmentally sound transportation policymaking.
August 3, 2009
What Wasn’t in This Week’s Highway Trust Fund Patch
Transportation's make-or-break week in Washington has ended with a funding face-off postponed until fall, thanks to Senate passage of a short-term, $7 billion rescue for the nation's highway trust fund.
July 31, 2009
McCain & Coburn: Let’s Make Roads Safer — by Slashing Safety Money
A report released today [PDF] by Sens. John McCain (R-AZ) and Tom Coburn (R-OK), timed to coincide with debate on a $7 billion highway trust fund fix, accuses their fellow lawmakers of "raiding" the fund for transportation "pet projects."
July 30, 2009
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
House to Move Tomorrow on $5B Highway Trust Fund Patch
The House could take up a temporary rescue for the highway trust fund as soon as tomorrow, with $5 billion the most likely amount of funding, according to a Democratic leadership aide.
July 28, 2009
The Capitol’s 10 Transportation Players to Know
Even occasional observers of the national transportation scene can probably recognize House transportation committee chairman Jim Oberstar (D-MN) or Senate environment committee chairman Barbara Boxer (D-CA) -- but what about the advisers who act as their eyes and ears in drafting policy?
July 27, 2009
House Votes on Transportation Spending: Track it Live
While how to pay for future transport programs takes center stage in the House today, another crucial debate is going on over approval of next year's U.S. DOT budget.
July 23, 2009