Political Maneuvering on Highway Bill
Hidden near the end of the recently approved House highway legislation is a provision that denies funding to the Office of Motor Carrier and Highway Safety as long as it remains within the Federal Highway Administration.
This section, placed by Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Frank Wolf (R-Va.), could force the issue on whether trucking safety enforcement is placed in a separate modal administration, an FHWA sub-agency or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
similar provision has been offered in the Senate.
In general, trucking has reason to be pleased with the measure passed by the House on June 23. It sets a record level of new spending for road work at $27.7 billion for fiscal 2000, making full use of revenue from motor fuel taxes (6-28, p. 3).
But the final number will not be determined until the Senate acts on its bill, and the differences between two are reconciled by members from both chambers. Congress-watchers said the House and Senate versions are enough alike in their funding aspects that little adjustment may be needed in conference.
For the full story, see the July 5 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.
