Wednesday, August 04, 2004
Earmarks Betray Highway Users
Everyone knows that the federal transportation authorization bill has become one giant pork fest. What you may not know is that the earmarks in this year's transportation authorization bill include millions of dollars for non-transportation-related pork. The more than 4,000 proposed earmarks (up from less than 10 in 1981) include $7.5 million for a performing arts center in New York, $2.5 million for a music center in Virginia, and $4 million for snowmobile safety accommodations in Maine.
The Bush Administration has threatened to veto the bill unless total spending is less than total revenues from gas taxes and other highway user fees. But Senate Democrats insist on keeping their pork and refuse to reduce spending, so it is unlikely that any bill will pass this year.
You can also find an amusing take on progress on the reauthorization bill in Tollroads News.
The Bush Administration has threatened to veto the bill unless total spending is less than total revenues from gas taxes and other highway user fees. But Senate Democrats insist on keeping their pork and refuse to reduce spending, so it is unlikely that any bill will pass this year.
You can also find an amusing take on progress on the reauthorization bill in Tollroads News.
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