Oberstar Pushes Transportation Bill Despite White House Oppositon

Congressman Jim Oberstar joined a prominent Republican Senator in a Capitol news conference today to voice support for a new authorization of surface transportation programs and opposition to an extension of current authority.

Oberstar, who chairs the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure was also joined by Subcommittee on Highways and Transit Chairman Peter A. DeFazio of Oregon, and Sen. George Voinovich of Ohio. All three spoke out against a proposed 18-month extension plan and voiced reference for moving ahead with a six-year authorization bill. The current authorization, contained in the 2005 act known popularly as SAFETEA-LU (or simply SAFETEA), is due to expire September 30.

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• Oberstar
• transportation
• highway bill

[rrpln]

Why not fund the rails. So the rails would have automatic track switching and the freight can move cheaper and more fuel efficient on rails. Besides 40,000 Americans get killed on the road in auto accidents and some of those deaths could be prevented by putting more freight on rails.