Could the federal gas tax become the next major battle between Democrats and Republicans? That’s what transportation advocates and congressional staffers suspect.
The Senate and House are in the process of considering a long-term highway bill. With the chambers far apart on their proposals though, there has been some concern that congressional Republicans would attempt to use the gas tax as leverage in the fight over the competing transportation proposals. ‘The Hill’ website has the story.
Lets hope not, while I really do not like more taxes, I think an increase in the gas tax is a good way to reduce the amount of oil we import, and maybe just maybe get some people out of their cars and on to mass transit or bicycles.
My fear is that, like with the struggle over the Federal Aviation Agency, a big struggle like this will lead to some kind of shut down. The country's transportation system can't afford something like that.