Government
Transport Topics government and regulatory coverage keeps managers of a highly-regulated industry aware of the policy decisions that can shape their businesses. Covering both the legislative and regulatory aspects of policy-making, at both the state and national levels, the news in this category includes looks at infrastructure, hours of service, emissions rules, funding measures, leadership appointments, and more. Readers can follow what’s happening in Congress, at the Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Administration, and in state and local governments.
Indiana Will Soon See Benefits, Costs of Gas-Tax Increase
INDIANAPOLIS — It won't be long before Indiana residents feel the benefits and costs of a $1.2 billion infrastructure plan Gov. Eric Holcomb signed April 27, along with the state's two-year budget. "I can assure you come July, you and all of you, are going to smell asphalt morning, noon and night," Holcomb said.
Meal and Rest Break Provision Sidelined With Short-Term Bill to Avert Shutdown
A meal and rest break pre-emption provision expected in a fiscal 2017 funding bill was sidelined as congressional leaders turned their focus to a weeklong funding measure instead, the chairman of the House funding panel announced this week.
Trump Rules Out Swift NAFTA Exit in Favor of Renegotiation
President Donald Trump won’t immediately terminate U.S. participation in the North American Free Trade Agreement, the White House said, after he spoke with the leaders of Mexico and Canada about ways to renegotiate the accord.
April 27, 2017Oklahoma GOP Considering Hiking Gas Tax, Democrats Say
OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma Republicans are considering increasing the state’s gasoline tax by six cents to help fill the state’s looming budget hole, Democrats announced April 26.
American Consumers' Economic Expectations Strongest Since 2001
Consumer confidence rebounded last week as Americans became the most upbeat about the economy since 2001, the Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index figures showed April 27.
South Carolina Senate Passes First Gas-Tax Increase in 30 Years
The S.C. Senate passed a 12-cents-a-gallon hike in its gas tax the night of April 26 by a vote of 34-10, a veto-proof majority.
Trump’s Infrastructure Plan Likely Out Early Summer, Rep. Graves Says
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration’s long-term funding proposal for fixing and modernizing the country’s infrastructure will likely be unveiled early in the summer, Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.), a senior transportation policymaker, said April 26.
White House Proposes Slashing Corporate Federal Income-Tax Rate to 15%
The White House made its opening bid for what officials called the “biggest tax cut” in U.S. history — with cuts that would benefit businesses, the middle class and certain high-earning individuals — but left unanswered questions about whether the plan would be paid for, or how.
Mexico Sees NAFTA Trade Talks Starting in August
Mexico expects to start the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, with the United States and Canada in late August and talks should be completed within six months, the country's economy minister said April 26.
Ed Hamberger of AAR on Infrastructure, Trucking Relationship
Ed Hamberger, CEO of Association of American Railroads, talks with TT's Eugene Mulero about his industry's interest in improving infrastructure and funding plans for it, as well as the relationship between the freight rail and trucking industries.
April 26, 2017