Transportation Reauthorization

I previously reported the desire of the Obama administration to reauthorize the current program for 18 months, fix the funding problem with the Highway Trust Fund and take the time to discuss substantial policy changes to the overall program.  The President has also said he does not want to increase taxes to support support transportation programs.  Contrast this with House Transportation and Infrastucture Committee Chairman James Oberstar (D-MN), who has introduced a House draft, with little specifics, that would provide $500 billion over the next six years for transit, highway and motor carrier safety programs.  It would consolidate federal transportation programs, create unified offices within the Department of Transportation to coordinate transportation and housing projects, and tie federal transportation funding to performance benchmarks.  The full House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will take up the bill, which does not have a number assigned yet, when Congress returns in July.   In the Senate, Environment and Public Works Committee Chair Barbara Boxer (D-CA) is supporting the Administration's proposal to adopt an 18-month reauthorization, and fix the immediate gap in Highway Trust Fund.  Given the apparent differences, the current congressional agenda and calendar, it appears unlikely that Congress will be able to reach consensus on a new highway bill and a way to fund it before the current law expires.  Stay tuned.