NSSGA: Highway bill reauthorization 'problematic'

Pit & Quarry, August, 2004

The reauthorization of TEA 21 remains problematic, according to the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA). Declared a "must-pass" bill in 2003 (when the program originally expired) the reauthorization process has deteriorated into a series of short-term extensions.

Some congressional advocates remain optimistic that a comprehensive, six-year bill can become law by Oct. 1, while an increasingly vocal group says they would rather wait until after the election, or even next year, to pass a well-funded measure. The main problem with the reauthorization (H.R. 3550), says NSSGA, concerns the level of funding. The Bush administration insists on $256 billion over six years and threatens to veto any bill providing more funding. The House passed a $284-billion measure while the Senate continues to stick to its $318 billion figure.

House Republican leaders are expected to reject the Senate's offer of $318 billion formally and counter with an offer likely to be rejected by the Senate. "There lies the rub," says the NSSGA. Nothing else can be accomplished by the conferees until a long-term funding figure is agreed to. Conference committee chairman Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) has requested an urgent meeting with transportation infrastructure industry coalition members to discuss strategy for the future.

If the conference committee can agree to a strong, pro-growth number, it may be practical to complete work on a bill before Congress adjourns for the year.