Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/85369
JOURNAL NEWS T SENATE PASSES 2-YEAR $109B TRANSPORTATION BILL he U.S. Senate on March 14 passed a $109 billion measure that would reauthorize the nation's sur- face transportation programs for two years. The bill, which passed by a 74-22 vote, would provide $2 billion a year in funding for highway freight-specific projects, speed project approval and steer clear of tolls on existing interstates. "States are one step closer to putting Americans to work rebuilding our roads, bridges, transit systems and railways," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "This bill would relieve conges- tion on our roads, expand our transit and rails systems, and provide Americans with safe, affordable ways to reach their destinations when gas prices are high." The bill would create a clearing- house for com- mercial drivers' drug and alcohol test results, direct the federal government to create a notifica- tion system so employers can be told of drivers' traffic infractions, move in the direction of establishing crashworthiness standards for large trucks, raise the bar that new companies and drivers must clear before entering the trucking indus- try, and mandate electronic logs for all commercial drivers. "The highway bill passed by the Senate is an example of how things should work in Washington," said Bill Graves, American Trucking Associations president and chief executive officer. "This bill advances the cause of highway safety and takes a num- ber of important steps toward reforming our transportation system." An amendment by Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), which passed 50-47, would prevent privatized highways from being taken into account when issuing federal highway funds. The Senate voted 86-12 against an amendment proposed by Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) that would have allowed states to sell food, fuel and other convenience items at interstate rest areas. Another amendment from Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) that would have scrapped the current funding program was defeated 67-30. DeMint said most states pay more into the federal gas tax-funded system than they get back and that scrapping the cur- rent system would have empowered states to have control over their own decisions. Journal continued on page 74 Performance Enhancer (Relax, this one's perfectly legal) – – FREE Howes Deluxe when you purchase 3 bottles of Howes Products Visit www.howeslube.com for details or call 1-800 GET HOWES Offer ends: 9/30/12, available while supplies last. Shower Bag Toiletries not included. Professional Grade Performance Since 1920 Write 233 on Reader Service Card or visit ccjdigital.com/info COMMERCIAL CARRIER JOURNAL | APRIL 2012 17