Transportation Issues Daily is reporting this morning that it looks as if a reauthorization bill will be ready by the July 1st deadline.
It sounds like nearly all transportation-related issues are resolved, but details are nearly impossible to come by. There are rumors the mega-projects program (PNRS) and other freight provisions will be scrapped. There’s also a rumored deal involving keeping the Keystone XL provision in exchange for keeping the Senate’s project streamlining provisions.
By the end of the week, Senate Majority Leader Reid and House Speaker Boehner were optimistic that a bill could be passed before July 1 (details in The Hill’s story). Senator Boxer and Representative Mica issued this statement: “The conferees have moved forward toward a bipartisan, bicameral agreement on a highway reauthorization bill. Both House and Senate conferees will continue work with a goal of completing a package” before July 1.
As more details or revelations emerge over the week we’ll make sure to share.
[UPDATE 11:41] Larry Ehl of Transportation Issues Daily adds, “I neglected to add that there are rumors the transit provisions are agreed to. Other than funding level for New Starts, I don’t recall there being any transit provisions that were particularly divisive. Excluding Amtrak/passenger rail, of course.”
Thanks. I neglected to add that there are rumors the transit provisions are agreed to. Other than funding level for New Starts, I don’t recall there being any transit provisions that were particularly divisive. Excluding Amtrak/passenger rail, of course.
Last I checked Obama’s still threatening a veto over the toxic sludge pipeline, but I guess perhaps we’ll see if he has the guts to actually veto it…