The House and Senate Appropriations Committees are busily writing a final version of the catch-all spending bill to deal with the unfinished FY'07 spending, in order to beat a Feb. 15 deadline when the current Continuing Resolution expires. While not a continuing resolution, which would have capped spending for all programs at FY '06 levels, including transportation, there is no guarantee any spending increase included in the unfinished bills will carry over to the new catch-all bill, dubbed a joint resolution. Appropriations committee staff has made it clear that $3.4 billion in highway and transit funds are in jeopardy.

The potential loss of transportation funds is turning out to be the first real test for the new leaders of the transportation authorizing committees. House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee chairman, James Oberstar (D-Minn.), and Senate Environment and Public Works Committee chairman, Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), have their hands full with the routine responsibilities of leading a major committee and now are threatened with a major setback if funding for programs within their jurisdiction is lost.

In order to ensure transportation spending remains at the SAFETEA-LU authorized levels, NSSGA has alerted our A² grassroots, will send a second letter to Congress outlining the need to maintain the authorized levels of funding, will continue to work with the Senate Environment and Public Works and House Transportation & Infrastructure Committees and Appropriations Committees, follow up with member companies in key congressional districts to ensure contacts are made with legislators, and continue efforts with the Transportation Construction Coalition (TCC) and Americans for Transportation Mobility (ATM) to highlight the need for full funding of the transportation programs. For a copy of the joint TCC and ATM letter to Senators, click here, for a copy of the letter to Representatives, click here. Also here is a funding chart on how the possible loss of $3.4 billion in highway and transit funds could affect your state. TCC/ATM talking points to guide your call with lawmakers are available here. NSSGA will continue to vigorously advocate on the Hill in personal visits, by phone and in writing for full funding of the transportation programs.