Wednesday the House voted 335-85 to suspend the rules, and passed a three month extension of funding for the federal Highway Trust Fund, throwing down the gauntlet in the face of Senate leadership and the Obama administration, which prefer an 18 month extension to avoid debating how for pay for a six year, $500 billion reauthorization which is not supported by motor fuel taxes at present rates.
Mired in health care reform negotiations and climate change cap and trade discussions, the House Ways and Means Committee is unprepared to find new revenue sources for highway and transit projects, and loathe to increase motor fuel taxes during this recession. Nevertheless, Congressman Oberstar, Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, won this round, and the battle is joined for the hearts and minds of the commuting public and the trucking industry.
Mired in health care reform negotiations and climate change cap and trade discussions, the House Ways and Means Committee is unprepared to find new revenue sources for highway and transit projects, and loathe to increase motor fuel taxes during this recession. Nevertheless, Congressman Oberstar, Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, won this round, and the battle is joined for the hearts and minds of the commuting public and the trucking industry.
