Elana Schor
Recent Posts
House Quickly Sends $2 Billion More to ‘Cash for Clunkers’
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The "cash for clunkers" rebate program, which promises new auto buyers up to $4,500 for fuel-efficiency upgrades as small as 2 miles per gallon, is back to life after burning through $1 billion in taxpayer cash. Minutes ago, the House approved $2 billion more in auto rebates by transferring cash that was already headed for […]
McCain & Coburn: Let’s Make Roads Safer — by Slashing Safety Money
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A report released today [PDF] by Sens. John McCain (R-AZ) and Tom Coburn (R-OK), timed to coincide with debate on a $7 billion highway trust fund fix, accuses their fellow lawmakers of "raiding" the fund for transportation "pet projects." Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) (Photo: City-Data.com) What wasteful projects have drawn such scorn from the duo? […]
Senate Debating House’s $7B Trust Fund Fix, With 4 GOP Amendments
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The Senate began debate this morning on the $7 billion rescue of the nation’s highway trust fund that was passed by the House late yesterday, with four GOP amendments slated for a vote. The first proposal, from Sen. David Vitter (R-LA), would replenish federal highway programs with unused money from the $787 billion economic stimulus […]
Senate Panel Backs $1.2B for High-Speed Rail, $1.2B Extra for Highways
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The Senate panel in charge of transportation spending has just released its version of the budget bill that passed the House last week, giving less to high-speed rail and more to highways than the lower chamber of Congress. The Senate’s transportation bill, shepherded by senior appropriator Patty Murray (D-WA), provides $1.2 billion for the Obama […]
Four Senators Propose Pushing States to Ban Texting While Driving
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Four Democratic senators introduced legislation today that would offer states a choice: ban texting and e-mailing while driving within two years or lose 25 percent of their federal highway money. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ)(Photo: PatersonOnline) The bill, sponsored by Robert Menendez (NJ), Charles Schumer (NY), Mary Landrieu (LA), and Kay Hagan (NC), comes as the […]
Your Burger or Your Car (And More Fun with False Dichotomies)
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The Washington Post’s Ezra Klein, whose blog is a must-read look at the political dynamics of congressional policy-making, makes an eyebrow-raising assertion in his food column today: (Photo: CowCar) It’s not simply that meat is a contributor to global warming; it’s that it is a huge contributor. Larger, by a significant margin, than the global […]
How Soon Will Cutting Transportation Emissions Save Money?
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(Photo: Moving Cooler) Anyone who kept tabs on the House’s climate change bill last month recalls much acrimonious ado about the plan’s impact on average American pocketbooks. The GOP tossed out cost estimates that turned out to be manipulated, while nonpartisan projections showed the bill actually saving money for low-income families. But the unfortunate truth […]
Oberstar to White House: On Emissions, Back Up Your Words With Action
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Appearing this morning at the release of a new report on transportation’s role in fighting climate change, House transportation committee chairman Jim Oberstar (D-MN) challenged the Obama administration to back up their emissions rhetoric with action and pass his six-year, $450 billion infrastructure bill. FTA’s Peter Rogoff (in hard hat) heard strong words from Rep. […]
Make-or-Break Week for Transportation Begins on the Hill
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After weeks of uncertainty and tension, the congressional impasse over long-term transportation funding is headed for resolution this week — but the reprieve may be temporary. A decisive week lies ahead for House transport chairman Jim Oberstar (D-MN). (Photo: Capitol Chatter) When we last left House transportation committee chairman Jim Oberstar (D-MN), he was calling […]
From the Dept. of Mixed Messages: LaHood Touts ‘Cash for Clunkers’
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Two weeks ago, Ray LaHood candidly addressed the need to reduce the nation’s vehicle miles traveled in order to halt the devastating effects of climate change. But the Transportation Secretary had a decidedly different message today. (Photo: NYT) "Go out and buy a car, Americans!" LaHood decreed this morning as he and lawmakers from auto-producing […]
Lawmakers Pitch Transport Funding Ideas, From VMT to Freight Taxes
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Leaders of the House transportation committee, doggedly pursuing a six-year, $450 billion infrastructure bill this year, pressed their case this morning before Ways and Means Committee colleagues who must approve a new funding mechanism for their massive legislation. On transport funding, a question looms: Whither Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel (D-NY)? (Photo: BusinessWeek) […]
Cardin & Carper Bullish on Transit’s Prospects in Senate Climate Bill
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Addressing a climate change forum this morning, two Democrats on the Senate environment committee said they are pushing for transit and other green modes of transport to get 10 percent of the revenue generated by the upcoming Senate bill regulating carbon emissions. Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE) (Photo: DTI) Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE), a chief sponsor […]