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.
House Schedules Vote On Trust Fund Rescue
House GOP leaders scheduled a floor vote July 31 on their original $11 billion plan to shore up a cash-strapped federal highway account through May, in order to prevent the Department of Transportation from having to delay payouts to states Aug. 1.
Sen. Corker Urges House GOP to Back Senate Trust Fund Proposal
Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) on July 30 called on the Republican-led House to back a bill that would temporarily shore up a federal highway account that the Senate overwhelmingly supported a day earlier.
Economy Grows in Second Quarter as Consumer Spending Rises
Gains in consumer spending and business investment helped the U.S. economy rebound more than forecast in the second quarter following a slump in the prior three months that was smaller than previously estimated.
July 30, 2014Senate Passes Amended Highway Bill, Sends Back to House
The Senate on July 29 easily voted to send the House a nearly $8 billion bill that would fund federal highway programs through December, a move meant to force lawmakers to agree on a long-term funding plan for transportation construction projects nationwide.
FMCSA Chief Anne Ferro Defends Agency’s HOS Rule
Outgoing Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration head Anne Ferro defended her agency’s regulations limiting the amount of time drivers are allowed to work, during what probably was her last appearance before Congress as the agency’s chief.
Senate Takes On Highway Trust Fund Bill
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced the chamber will consider on July 29 a House-passed bill that would shore up the Highway Trust Fund for 10 months, as well as several proposed changes to the bill.
Wyden: House Trust Fund Fix ‘Goes Too Far’ on Pension Smoothing
The chairman of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee on July 28 criticized the primary source of funding for a House bill that would shore up the Highway Trust Fund, a day before the Senate is expected to vote on the legislation.
FMCSA's Anne Ferro Stepping Down in August
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration chief Anne Ferro will step down from her post next month, Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced July 25.
Full Text of Anne Ferro's Letter to FMCSA Colleagues
Here is the full text of FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro's e-mail to her colleagues on July 25, announcing her resignation.
July 28, 2014Coolants Require Check-Ups to Maximize Engine Life
Although some fleets and truck makers are turning to extended-life coolants because they are said to lower engine heat and maintenance costs, they still require regular checkups just as conventional coolants do, suppliers said.
July 28, 2014