Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Distracted Driving

Deal Imminent?

12:36 PM EDT on June 21, 2012

We're hearing reports that a deal on the surface transportation bill is imminent. We'll let you know when we hear more. Could it be that the Walz Motion to Instruct lit a fire under the conferees?

Photo: ##http://peopleagainstdistracteddriving.com/2010/06/texting-while-driving/##People Against Distracted Driving##

Three more motions are about to be voted on, assuming peace doesn't break out first. One, sponsored by Rep. Diane Black of Tennessee, would have spiked a section of the Senate bill that provides grant money to states that enact distracted driving bans. The Senate provision would reward states that enact bans on texting for all drivers and bans on all cell phone use for drivers under the age of 18. Speaking out against these bans is like coming out in favor of drunk driving. It just makes no sense. The motion calls for a study to be conducted instead.

Another MTI in the works, sponsored by Rep. Tim McKinley of West Virginia, would have instructed the conference committee to include in its final report the House provision devolving coal ash regulation to the states, so that the EPA can't treat a hazardous substance as hazardous substance. The House will be voting on this one momentarily.

And the final motion, sponsored by House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, calls on the House to take up the Senate bill.

We'll keep you posted on news of these motions -- and this supposed deal -- as it breaks.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Why We Care About Some Transportation Tragedies More Than Others

Why do we respond to major transportation disasters with so much urgency — and why don't we count our collective car crash epidemic among them?

March 28, 2024

The Toll of History: MTA Board Approves $15 Congestion Pricing Fee

New York City's first-in-the-nation congestion pricing tolls are one historic step closer to reality after Wednesday's 11-1 MTA board vote. Next step: all those pesky lawsuits.

March 28, 2024

Take Thursday’s Headlines Home, Country Roads

Heat Map reports on why rural Americans are resisting electric vehicles, and why it might not matter much for the climate.

March 28, 2024
See all posts