Sen. Boxer: House ‘Can Pass a Strong’ Highway Bill
The top Democrat on the Senate’s transportation panel on Oct. 14 expressed optimism about the House’s push to advance a highway reauthorization bill.
“I know the House can pass a strong transportation bill. … We must pass a multiyear transportation bill without delay,” Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) wrote the top Republican and Democrat in the House, shortly after the House transportation panel announced an Oct. 22 markup of a highway bill.
In her letter, Boxer reminded outgoing House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) that the Senate in July advanced a six-year highway policy measure by a vote of 65-34. She also noted House transportation committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) and that panel’s ranking Democrat, Peter DeFazio of Oregon, are “seasoned legislators” able to “get the job done” at markup.
In the event Boehner and Pelosi feel the need to contact her, Boxer included a telephone number where she may be reached: “I stand ready to help,” she added.
Details of the House bill have yet to be unveiled. Federal highway funding authority expires Oct. 29.
