Boxer Speaks Out Against Non-Germane Amendments to Surface Transport Bill

On February 13, 2012, Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) spoke on the Senate floor in opposition to non-germane amendments, as well as other procedural tactics, that have delayed consideration of S. 1813 (the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, MAP-21), the surface transportation reauthorization bill currently before the Senate. Senator Boxer also entered into the record a letter sent to all Members of the Senate in opposition to non-germane amendments, which was signed by groups including the Automobile Association of America (AAA) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

In related news, on February 14, 2012, Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD), Chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, presented the Banking Committee’s public transportation portion of the federal surface transportation program. The new bill will be attached to S. 1813.

(See ITT’s Online Archives 12021315 for summary stating that the Senate had begun to consider S. 1813, and that on January 31, 2012, a five-year transportation authorization bill (H.R. 7) was introduced in the House.

See ITT’s Online Archives 11111511 for summary stating that Chairman Boxer’s Committee on the Environment and Public Works had approved S.1813, a two-year reauthorization bill.)

Press release detailing Sen. Boxer's opposition to non-germane amendments, dated 02/13/2012, here.

Press release announcing presentation of public transportation bill, dated 02/15/2012, here.