Congress Returns to Tackle Transportation Funding Needs

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img src="/sites/default/files/images/articles/printeditiontag_new.gif" width=120 align=right>A new Congress starts business this week, seeking to resolve a deadlock on spending for 2003 that could pump in money for truck security grants, fund the Transportation Security Administration and give lawmakers more money for road and bridge construction and repair.

Lawmakers also have to come up with a new surface transportation bill to replace the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century that expires Sept. 30. To fund TEA-21, they may have to wrestle with proposals to raise fuel taxes.

Currently, security programs and others have not started because lawmakers — before the 107th Congress adjourned last year — agreed to a temporary resolution to continue most government spending at 2002 levels.

The early focus for Congress is going to finish up the 2003 appropriation bills because only two of the 13 appropriation bills have been enacted. But who knows what they’ll do?” said James Whittinghill, senior vice president of legislative affairs for American Trucking Associations.

For the full story, see the Jan. 6 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.