With focus on health care, Congress expects delays for major transportation bills  
Associated Press/Minneapolis Star Tribune
By Jim Abrams
September 22, 2009

WASHINGTON - The Democratic-led Congress' determination to do something about health care this year has slowed legislation affecting the safety of almost every traveler in America.

Barring some miracle, lawmakers acknowledge they don't have the time or the political capital to act on new bills bringing major improvements and more money to those overworked, underfunded infrastructure systems. The House is expected on Wednesday to simply extend existing surface and air transportation programs through the end of the year.

The reauthorization of surface transportation and Federal Aviation Administration programs faces roadblocks even without the time-consuming dominance of the health care debate. But both transportation priorities have been directly affected by the health care battle.

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has been poised for months to introduce a six-year, $500 billion bill to cover highway and public transit construction, repair and safety. It has been thwarted by the Senate and the White House, reluctant to take up another massive spending bill that may require a tax increase of its own at a time when people are talking about $1 trillion in spending for health care.

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