Recent Streetsblog USA posts about 2009 Transportation Bill

McCain & Coburn: Let’s Make Roads Safer — by Slashing Safety Money

By Elana Schor | Jul 30, 2009 | 1 Comment

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." Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) (Photo: City-Data.com) What wasteful projects have drawn such scorn from the duo? […]

Senate Debating House’s $7B Trust Fund Fix, With 4 GOP Amendments

By Elana Schor | Jul 30, 2009 | No Comments

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. The first proposal, from Sen. David Vitter (R-LA), would replenish federal highway programs with unused money from the $787 billion economic stimulus […]

House to Move Tomorrow on $5B Highway Trust Fund Patch

By Elana Schor | Jul 28, 2009 | No Comments

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. That number exceeds the $3 billion sought by House transportation committee chairman Jim Oberstar (D-MN), who had hoped for a bare-bones patch to […]

A Make-or-Break Week for Transportation Begins on the Hill

By Elana Schor | Jul 27, 2009 | No Comments

After weeks of uncertainty and tension, the congressional impasse over long-term transportation funding is headed for resolution this week — but the reprieve may be temporary. A decisive week lies ahead for House transport chairman Jim Oberstar (D-MN). (Photo: Capitol Chatter) When we last left House transportation committee chairman Jim Oberstar (D-MN), he was calling […]

The Capitol’s 10 Transportation Players to Know

By Elana Schor | Jul 27, 2009 | No Comments

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? Here’s a look at 10 of Congress’ biggest transportation power players, courtesy of […]

House Votes on Transportation Spending: Track it Live

By Elana Schor | Jul 23, 2009 | No Comments

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. The full House is set to vote this afternoon on the $123 billion transportation and housing spending bill for 2010, with a series of amendments okayed […]

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