Surface Transportation Policy Issues Postponed

Wednesday the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, with a single dissenting vote, approved an 18 month, $60 billion extension of the highway trust fund, rather than addressing the funding issues which will bankrupt the highway trust fund cash balance in a couple weeks. Despite the appearance on Capitol Hill of 100 members of the U. S. Chamber of Commerce lobbying in favor of a full six year authorization of the highway trust fund before it expires in six weeks, funded by motor fuel tax increases, it seems Congress would rather be looking at tax increases during the Presidential election cycle than facing blow back from constituents at mid-term election time.