February was another key month for the transportation reauthorization, with quite a bit of activity packed into its 29 days. However, not all of this action brought us closer to a bill. As we stand now, a Senate bill is on the move with floor action expected to begin tomorrow, but the House bill has been pulled back now for the second time, and with 26 days left before the current extension expires, there is no clear path forward in the House, and therefore, for the bill.
I had the opportunity to spend the last two days in Washington, DC for a Transportation for America Partner Fly-in.
[pulledquote]26 days left before the current extension expires, there is no clear path forward in the House, and therefore, for the bill[/pulledquote]We spent the first day hearing from speakers such as Deputy Secretary of Transportation John Porcari and getting briefed on the transportation bill and lessons on how to have productive meetings on Capital Hill. We also attended a “rural transportation showcase,” hearing about rural issues, and watching a great clip about public transit in rural Montana. The second day, we met with Congressional staff to discuss the transportation reauthorization bill.
While I am hesitant to bring up anything having to do with the Super Bowl, I thought this commentary on Indianapolis’ compact downtown contributing to a successfully hosted Super Bowl was interesting. Also of note, peer to peer car sharing is growing, and with this warm winter we’re having, here is an interesting piece of the cost of climate change on winter sports.
–Charlie Ticotsky, Government Affairs Coordinator
- Ready to Fight? The House GOP Bill Leaves Little Choice – Streetsblog – February 6
- Transportation bill lurches forward – Politico – February 6
- A Terrible Transportation Bill – New York Times – February 9
- Obama’s Transportation Budget Unlikely to Gain Traction – Governing – February 13
- W.H. threatens transportation veto – Politico – February 14
- Boehner punts highway bill – Politico – February 15
- Heartland burned by ‘DenialGate’ – Politico – February 15
- House votes to approve Keystone – Politico – February 16
- Transportation bill faces detours – Politico – February 27
- No highway bill for House next week – Politico – March 1
- Nope, more drilling won’t bring back $2.50 gasoline – Washington Post – March 1
- Senate responds to massive support, adopts several important amendments into overall bill – Transportation for America – March 2