Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
James Oberstar

Succumbing to Senate Pressure, House Boosts Trust Fund Rescue to $7B

The House just approved its short-term fix for the nation's highway trust fund by a vote of 363-68 ... but something happened on the way to the floor: What began as a $5 billion rescue became a $7 billion one.

As CQ reported this afternoon, the extra money was added at the behest of the Senate, where negotiators insisted on giving the trust fund the amount that U.S. DOT officials say will keep it solvent until October.

The trust fund runs largely on revenue from the federal gas tax, which has dwindled in recent years as Americans buy more fuel-efficient cars and drive less. The White House continues to push for an 18-month extension of existing transportation law, requiring a trust fund rescue in the neighborhood of $20 billion to keep road programs going until 2011.

But House transportation committee chairman Jim Oberstar (D-MN) continues to resist the Obama administration on the issue. Oberstar voted for this afternoon's revised legislation while characterizing it on the House floor as "an infusion, not an extension," suggesting that he has not given up on his fight for a new long-term bill this year.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Team Pedestrian Trounces Team Bus in NYC’s Annual ‘Crosstown Bus Challenge’

Pedestrians beat the bus — but maybe for the last time?

August 8, 2025

Friday Video: How to Gear Up For Your Fall Bike Commute

The only must-haves for a cycling commute are a bike and a place you feel safe riding — but a few accessories don't hurt, either.

August 8, 2025

Can You Tell Me How to Get to Friday’s Headlines?

"Sesame Street," which taught generations of children about life in the big city, might not be long for this world.

August 8, 2025

Talking Headways Podcast: Technical Assistance for Equitable TOD

Emily LaFlamme on how the Elevated Works technical assistance program helps developers bring equitable transit-oriented development to life.

August 7, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines Wonder if Ride-Sharing Is Good, Actually

It's been shown to replace walking, biking and transit trips, but two writers argue it's better than taxis, and at least lifts the burden of car ownership.

August 7, 2025

This Company Wants to Help More Americans Buy Used E-Bikes

Trade wars in Washington are having a chilling effect on the U.S. bike market. Could selling more used cycles fill the gap?

August 7, 2025
See all posts