House tries again on highway bill

WASHINGTON – Determined to end a two-year impasse that has slowed highway building and safety programs, leaders of the House transportation committee on Wednesday put forth a six-year, $284 billion plan for roads and public transit systems.

President Bush’s budget proposal that came out Monday indicated support for the $284 billion in guaranteed spending.

The Senate is still pushing for more money to cope with the nation’s deteriorating roads.

Senators are also demanding changes in how highway funds are distributed, to assure that states get back an amount nearly equivalent to what they contribute to the federal highway trust fund through the gas tax paid by drivers.

The chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee noted that the House and White House are in lockstep on the dollar amount. “We have a much better chance of moving this legislation quickly,” said Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska.