Although President Obama wants to put off action on a multi-year reauthorization of the federal highway trust fund until after the mid-term Congressional elections, House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman James Oberstar and his Highways and Transit Subcommittee Chairman Peter DeFazio both are looking for passage of a reauthorization bill before Congress adjourns for the year this coming October 30. Oberstar's panel has marked up its portion of the six year reauthorization legislation, and is just waiting for House Ways and Means Chairman Charles Rangel to figure out what new taxes will be needed to pay for the highway construction, since motor fuel tax revenues are declining as Americans drive less in cars getting more miles per gallon.
Richard Neal, Chairman of the Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee of Ways and Means, says his panel is continuing work on the revenue portion of the bill. "We could get something done this year," Neal said Tuesday. Along with state governments, thousands of road and bridge building businesses await the passage of this important legislation so they can get back to the business of planning their longer term future projects and bids.
Comments
"...Charles Rangel to figure out what new taxes will be needed to pay for the highway construction,..."
So, a tax cheat is going to figure this out?
Twenty two percent of the taxes for highways are spent on things other that highways. Cut spending first!
Actually, the name "Highway Trust Fund" is just shorthand. The moeny is set asied for surface transportation construction projects, including roads, bridges, public transit and waterways. The 22% not spent on highways is in fact spent for other surface transportation construction and public transit projects.
That's my point, they keep expanding into such things as:
Recreational Trails Program
National Senic Byways Program
Construction of Ferry Boats and Ferry Terminal Facilities
Safe Routes to School Program
Truck Parking Facilities
Work Zone Safety Grants
Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Grants
National Historic Covered Bridge Preservation
Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program
Grant Program to Prohibit Racial Profiling
Infrastructure Awareness
Multimodal Facility Improvements
Safety Belt Performance Grants
High Visibility Enforcement
Motorcyclist Safety
February 15, 2006
House of Representatives, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Highways, Transit and Pipelines, Washington, D.C.
Mr. Sodrel.
"What do we fund, other than highways and bridges, out of the Highway Trust Fund? Originally the Highway Trust Fund was designed for highways and bridges and was paid for by highway users."
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!