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Capital Watch Larger issues loom behind federal transport agendas Surface transportation program extending through February, but larger issues loom. Prior to adjourning for the year, Congress took several actions impacting the transportation community. First, as part of a larger spending bill which included the 2010 transportation appropriations measures, Congress passed a two-month extension of the surface transportation program. This extension, ending February 28, has serious long-term implications. Current funding levels are on track to be $12 billion less than last year, due largely to the scheduled rescissions (funding rollbacks) that took place last fall. Industry officials worry that, unless legislation is passed prior to March 1, that amount will be locked in for the 2010 fiscal year, further deepening the gap between available funding and spending needs. Language included in the Jobs for Main Street Act (H.R. 2847) — http://frwebgate. access.gpo.gov/, passed by the House before adjourning for the year, would extend the surface transportation program through September 20, 2010. This extension would correct the budget issue, resetting the funding baseline at the higher level. The bill also includes a $19.5 billion infusion from the General Fund to the Highway Trust Fund, which would help keep the account solvent into 2011. These provisions are in addition to the spending portions of the bill, which include $36.7 billion in additional funds for highways, transit and Amtrak, in an effort to sustain and create jobs. However, the jobs bill passed by a narrow margin in the House and many in the Senate are hesitant to take up the legislation. If the Senate decides not to address the jobs bill prior to the extension expiration, Congress will have to move alternative legislation to pass an extension and fix the budget baseline prior to March 1. But finding time, particularly on the Senate floor, for any legislation will be difficult as long as the health care issue is still in play. Meanwhile, the outlook for the multi-year surface transportation authorization bill moving this year remains bleak as health care and climate change debates, along with a lack of interest in taking up the fuel tax issue prior to mid-term elections, gives Congress no momentum or incentive to tackle the longer-term legislation. FMCSA holds listening sessions for HOS rules revision As part of its efforts to revisit and revise the current Hour of Service (HOS) rules, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) held three listening sessions in January. The sessions took place in Washington, DC; Los Angeles, CA; and Dallas, TX. FMCSA also indicated that a fourth session would be scheduled. These sessions are being used to gather information to assist FMCSA in developing the new proposed HOS rules. Attempted airliner bombing thrusts air cargo security back into spotlight Just a month after DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano informed Congress that the department would need an extension for the 100 percent scanning requirements for containerized cargo, the issue of air cargo security has been thrust into the spotlight by the attempted bombing on Christmas day. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is currently facing an August 2010 deadline for 100 percent screening of air cargo on passenger planes. TSA officials maintain that the August deadline will be met; however, a report by GAO indicates that while the TSA has made strides in the security program, full implementation is unlikely by August. Instead, any air cargo that cannot be screened will likely be forced to find another mode of transportation for delivery.	In This Issue Up Front News, Trends & Analysis New Items Trade Tools: How Uncle Sam helps exporters Capital Watch: Larger issues loom behind federal transport agendas Supply Chain Chris Steele: Development opportunities north and south of the border Compliance Corner: Denied Party Screening – Make sure you comply... comprehensively and timely Tech Trends Product Review: Invoicing and Auditing solutions Commentary David Bennett: Early signs of trouble Gateway Glance Panama China The Port Community Game Changer: Expansion of the Panama Canal will reshape global trade patterns All-weather ports are “all-in” Breakbulk Quarterly: East Coast - Thinking outside the box Breakbulk Quarterly: Brighter outlook for West Coast breakbulk in 2010 The Shipping Environment Casualties Navy tanker breaks loose, container crane topples, longshoreman dies at Virginia port ... and much more Final Say Getting TIGER by the tail
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Capital Watch

Larger issues loom behind federal transport agendas