Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
2009 Transportation Bill

Senate Debating House’s $7B Trust Fund Fix, With 4 GOP Amendments

The Senate began debate this morning on the $7 billion rescue of the nation's highway trust fund that was passed by the House late yesterday, with four GOP amendments slated for a vote.

The first proposal, from Sen. David Vitter (R-LA), would replenish federal highway programs with unused money from the $787 billion economic stimulus law, as opposed to funds from the general Treasury.

Vitter began by echoing a lament of many sustainable transport advocates -- that the stimulus spent a paltry 3.5 percent on infrastructure -- but came to a far different conclusion: "[L]et's do real concrete shovel-ready projects," he said. "Let's build roads and highways and bridges."

Sen. John Ensign (R-NV) offered an amendment similar to Vitter's, suggesting that un-obligated stimulus money offset the estimated $7.5 billion in unemployment aid that is attached to the highway trust fund fix.

Another similar proposal was filed by Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC), while a technical tweak to highway contract authority was filed by Sen. Kit Bond (R-MO). Stay tuned for updates on today's votes.

Late Update: The Senate has officially passed the $7 billion patch by a vote of 79-17. All four GOP amendments failed -- although Vitter's snagged two Democratic votes, from Sens. Ben Nelson (NE) and Blanche Lincoln (AR).

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Wednesday’s Headlines Are for the Children

From mothers with babies in strollers to preteens on bikes, much of the U.S. is hostile to families just trying to get around without a car.

July 2, 2025

Ambulance Data Reveals That Boston Drivers Are 4 Times More Likely to Run Over Pedestrians From Black Neighborhoods

"Overall, residents of predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods are about four times more likely than residents of predominantly white neighborhoods to be struck as a pedestrian."

July 1, 2025

Tuesday’s Sprawling Headlines

Sprawl seems to be having a moment, but it remains a very shortsighted and environmentally disastrous way to solve the housing crisis.

July 1, 2025

Does Constant Driving Really Make Our Country Richer?

A new study reveals that constant driving is making America less productive and prosperous — and getting people on other modes could help right the ship.

July 1, 2025

This Threatened Toronto Bike Lane Gets More Rush Hour Traffic Than the Car Lane

Toronto leadership claim "no one bikes" on their cities' paths — but the data shows otherwise.

July 1, 2025
See all posts