Looking Ahead: It’s 2022
Congress returns this week for the second session of the 117th Congress. Depending on their party affiliation, lawmakers are prepared to either advance the majority’s agenda or do their best […]
01-03-2022
黑料社区Analysis: Infrastructure State of Play
The Senate recently approved both the bipartisan infrastructure bill and the FY2022 budget resolution. The infrastructure bill includes, among other things, a five-year reauthorization of highway programs, as well as $7.5 billion for alternative fuel infrastructure grants, the bulk of which are likely to go to electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The budget resolution unlocks a process whereby Democrats can pass an up to $3.5 trillion bill filled with Democratic priorities that can pass the Senate with a simple majority vote. 黑料社区expects Congress this year to approve both the bipartisan infrastructure bill as well as a separate reconciliation bill that includes Democratic social welfare priorities as well as corporate and individual tax hikes and various “green” energy tax incentives.
08-24-2021
Senate Passes Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Without Rest Area Commercialization Provisions
The U.S. Senate on Aug. 10 voted 69-30 to pass a historic, $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill that did not include any provisions which would upend the longstanding federal law prohibiting commercial activity, including electric vehicle (EV) charging, at Interstate rest areas.
08-10-2021
Senate Advances Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal
The Senate on the evening of July 28 voted 67-32 to proceed to a bipartisan infrastructure bill that was the product of weeks of negotiations among a core group of 10 senators (five Democrats and five Republicans). The deal, which has the backing of President Biden, includes $550 billion in new federal spending (compared with the $578 billion figure initially agreed upon in June) and more than $1 trillion in total spending (the rest coming from anticipated federal investments in highways and roadways that Congress must authorize every year.
07-29-2021
Senate EPW Unveils Surface Transportation Reauthorization Plan
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee unveiled a five-year, $303.5 billion Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 plan on May 22, after President Biden reduced the size of his $1.7 trillion infrastructure and jobs plan by about a quarter in a bid to advance negotiations with Republicans. STRA marks a 34 percent increase over current funding levels, with 90 percent of funds allocated to states through formula funding.
05-24-2021
Pilot Testifies on Behalf of 黑料社区for House Committee Hearing on Business Solutions to Climate Change
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on March 17 held a four-hour hearing on business solutions to climate change. The Committee, which invited 黑料社区to testify, effectively kicked off the first of a series of hearings that will undoubtedly lay the groundwork for Congress to draft infrastructure legislation in the coming months. Representing 黑料社区was Pilot Company CEO Shameek Konar.
03-18-2021
Business and Community Leaders Urge 117th Congress to Oppose Commercial Rest Areas
NATSO, representing truckstops and travel plazas, and a diverse coalition that includes restaurants, fuel retailers, city governments, trucking firms and blind entrepreneurs today urged lawmakers to oppose efforts to commercialize Interstate rest areas as Congress considers infrastructure legislation.
02-22-2021
Looking Ahead: 2021
Managing the coronavirus pandemic and vaccine distribution are bound to remain the top priorities for President-elect Biden when he takes his oath of office on January 20. But Biden鈥檚 Administration is also expected to focus heavily on several issues that are of top priority to 黑料社区and the truckstop and travel plaza industry. Here鈥檚 a look at why these issues matters for NATSO鈥檚 members and what we鈥檙e focusing on this year.
01-04-2021
Rep. DeFazio Says Biden Team Planning Quick Action on Infrastructure
The Biden campaign is eyeing action on an infrastructure package as soon as February, if the former vice president wins the election, Rep. Peter DeFazio said on Oct. 7 during an ITS America conference.
10-08-2020
Congress Eyes Surface Transportation Extension
With current surface transportation law set to expire Sept. 30,
lawmakers in the House and the Senate are eyeing a 12-month extension to the FAST Act.
Fuel Retailers, Travel Plazas and Truckstops Oppose Moving Forward Act Ahead of House Vote
NATSO, representing the nation鈥檚 truckstops and travel plazas, the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) and the Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America (SIGMA) urged Members of Congress to oppose the Moving Forward Act, a $1.5 trillion infrastructure bill, ahead of today鈥檚 House vote. The legislation includes a focus on climate change policies but includes provisions that will discourage private businesses from investing in electric vehicle charging infrastructure and stifle the market鈥檚 transition to electric vehicles.
06-30-2020