Government

The U.S. economy expanded at a slower-than-projected pace in the fourth quarter on drags from trade and inventories, offsetting strength in consumer spending and business investment that signals solid momentum entering 2018.

WASHINGTON— Mayors have expressed concern over the future of federal funding programs with regard to how the White House plans to fund the $1 trillion infrastructure investment it hopes to reap over the next 10 years.

Compliance with a federal mandate to use electronic logging devices to record driver hours of service is on the rise, but the rollout is causing challenges for some carriers and drivers.

WASHINGTON — The adoption of advanced autonomous and connected vehicle applications will not disrupt the employment landscape for commercial drivers in the next few years, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder (R) told automotive executives Jan. 25.

A second federal safety agency has opened an investigation of an accident in which a Tesla car on “Autopilot” rammed into a parked fire truck.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is preparing for the possibility the U.S. may pull out of NAFTA. For Canadian companies, the trade skirmish has already begun.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) touted his recently introduced infrastructure bill as a way for states and municipalities to finance highway projects at a gathering of mayors Jan. 25.

WASHINGTON — Mayors must take the lead if they hope to improve their cities’ infrastructure with the help of federal partners, according to New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker on Jan. 23 created the commission through an executive order and appointed his former chief of staff, Steve Kadish, as the chairman.

WASHINGTON — Key Republicans on the Senate Commerce Committee, including the panel’s chairman, expressed concern over the absence of trucking policy provisions in legislation on autonomous vehicles awaiting a vote in the Senate.