Senate Kills Rest-Area Commercialization Amendment

The Senate voted down an amendment during consideration of the federal highway bill that would have allowed commercialization of interstate rest areas.

The measure — which was authored by Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and was opposed by a coalition representing sellers of food and fuel products — was defeated 86-12, the coalition said.

“This marks a major victory for the 97,000 highway-based businesses across America and the 2 million people they employ,” said Lisa Mullings, CEO of the truck stop trade group NATSO and a member of the coalition, known as the Partnership to Save Highway Communities.

The Senate is expected to vote on a two-year highway bill on Wednesday.