Tensions have arisen between the Obama administration and Oberstar, who is anxious to get working on the transportation reauthorization bill. DOT Secretary LaHood is calling for an extension of the 2005 highway bill instead.
Could the problem be that the $500 billion that Oberstar has in mind would require an increase in the gas tax?
"Hours after (Oberstar) began circulating his plan last spring ...Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood simply called for an extension of the 2005 highway bill - effectively cutting off long-term expansion plans.
From Politico: "That was the beginning of a less-than-good working relationship," said John Horsley, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
The relationship soured from there, as a frustrated Oberstar slammed White House economic advisers..."
"I don't know why they [the White House] don't want to move forward" on a new highway bill, Oberstar's top lieutenant, Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), lamented in a recent interview."
Thanks to Ron McClinden
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