Rep. Tom Rice (R-S.C.) introduced legislation that would raise federal fuel taxes by 10.1 cents per gallon, and index the new rate to inflation as a way to ensure the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund.

Federal lawmakers should consider implementing a vehicle miles traveled pilot program nationwide as a way to boost dollars for infrastructure projects on a long-term basis, a Senate Finance Committee working group said in a report released July 8.

WASHINGTON — For autonomous driving technologies to continue to advance, lawmakers will have to approve federal standards that address various regulations at the state level, a Volvo executive told a Senate transportation panel on July 7.

Two leading trucking associations and a key safety group have expressed support for legislation recently introduced by Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) designed to reform the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s regulatory process. 

The Rhode Island General Assembly adjourned without approving a controversial truck toll plan offered by the governor, but lawmakers are expected to meet in the fall to continue reviewing the plan, a key state lawmaker said.

WASHINGTON — Senate appropriators on June 25 included a provision as part of a fiscal 2016 transportation funding bill allowing the use of twin 33-foot trailers nationwide.