The WSJ report indicates that the debate that led to the FAA ticket tax suspension was just a prelude as to what to expect on Sept. 30 when the federal gas tax expires.
As House Transportation Committee Chair, John Mica was a key person that led to the disagreement with the Senate that resulted in the July 23 to August 5 suspension of the Federal Aviation Administration ticket tax on air travel that suspended airport infrastructure spending.
"John Mica (R., Fla.) said (August 5) he wouldn't budge from his proposal for a six-year ($230 billion) highway bill that would cut spending from existing levels, so that the government doesn't spend more than the roughly $34 billion a year it receives from the existing federal gas tax."
The House plan will "slash transportation infrastructure spending by about a third from existing levels".
"Opposition to raising the current gasoline tax, which hasn't changed since 1997, is widespread and bipartisan, reflecting public distaste for higher gasoline prices. President Obama has consistently declared his opposition to increasing the levy."
President Obama is depending on considerable transportation infrastructure spending to decrease unemployment and stimulate the economy.
Contributor's note: Access to WSJ link may cease on August 15 for non-subscribers to WSJ.
Thanks to Mark Boshnack
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