The election of 2010 gave Republicans the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. That of course means a change in the leadership of all committees, including those dealing with transportation. And, with the defeat of long time Minnesota Congressman and Transportation chair, James Oberstar, there will be a new approach.
In January, it is widely expected that Florida Congressman James Mica will be named the new chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Congressman Mica was first elected in 1993 so he is not unfamiliar with the discussions surrounding federal transportation policy and funding. Early analysis of Mr. Mica's philosophy shows him to be a supporter of high-speed rail and other alternative mobility solutions. He was also a apparent supporter of former Congressman Oberstar's $500 billion six-year transportation authorization proposal.
In regard to funding, Mr. Mica has stated that increases in the gas tax is a non-starter and that he'd like to see greater private spending. His comments over time indicate he'd like to see a rail system that is self-supporting, a hard thing to come by for sure and in conflict with the policies of the President and the current administration.
Of course, Mr. Mica will not be operating in a vacuum what with the Senate and White House still in Democratic control. Given the fact that we've been living on congressional extensions of the current transportation funding bill, which actually expired over a year ago, development of transportation policy will clearly be a good test of whether or not the Congress and the President can agree to compromise.
Arnold Weinfeld covers federal issues for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail
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