Senate panel OKs 18-month extension of highway bill

The extension includes no policy changes, Sen. Barbara Boxer, committee chairman, said. (Associated Press)

The Trucker Staff

7/15/2009

WASHINGTON — The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved an 18- month extension of highway programs authorized under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).

The legislation passed with an overwhelming 18-1 vote.

Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif. committee chairman said the committee would now consider an original bill entitled the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2009.

That bill, she said, would provide an extension of highway programs authorized under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).

“This legislation will extend, for an additional 18 months at 2009 funding levels, those programs in SAFETEA-LU which fall within EPW's jurisdiction, Boxer said, an authorization of about $41 billion in 2010 and another $20.5 billion in 2011.

The amendment is drafted in the form of a continuing resolution, so that all programs and projects are continued, the senator said.

“This is a clean extension, which includes no policy changes,” she said.

Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood issued a statement lauding the vote.

“I want to thank Chairman Boxer for her leadership in getting an 18-month transportation reauthorization bill passed out of committee today,” LaHood said. “This is the right length of time and I commend her for putting us on the right path to addressing a more comprehensive transportation measure.”  

Boxer said the committee would take the proposed bill and merge it with legislation being crafted in the Commerce and Banking Committees to extend the portions of SAFETEA-LU that are within their jurisdictions, and a provision from the Finance Committee that will restore $20 billion to the Highway Trust Fund.

“Of course there are policy changes we each would like to make,” Boxer said. “Most of us believe the next surface transportation bill should and must be transformational, to reflect the need for more sustainable communities, cleaner air, and more transportation options for the American people. This will lead to a stronger economy, jobs and a better quality of life for our families.

“But right now, with the Highway Trust Fund running out of funds even as we speak, the most important thing is predictability for this crucial priority.”

Extension of the current bill vs. passage of a new bill has been an ongoing battle between the Obama administration, which is pushing for the extension, and Rep. James Oberstar, who has introduced a new highway bill in the House and wants it passed before the current bill expires Sept. 30 of this year.

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