Important... any CSPAN watchers able to do realtime reporting on Highway B

[salin]

Just heard this is being debated on the floor right now.

I haven't followed this bill - but a couple of stories intertwine around it - and it would be helpful to know what and how things are being discussed.

First - the president is threatening a veto - ostensibly due to the high cost (and new found concerns about deficits)

Second - more and more congressional folks are getting cold feet about the scrutiny of their out of control spending.

Third (and of particular interest to me) - it has been announced due to budget constraints the bushy's very badly wanted energy bill is not going to be revived (due to budgetary concerns)... BUT the strategy will be to put parts of it into the highway bill - because there IS so much pork already folks want to bring the bacon home and wont notice the extra cost.

Very interesting dynamics brewing around this.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=346232#346434
Here are two related recent LBN threads:
on pulling the energy bill (and the plan to the highway bill - and some analysis of what significance the showdown might have)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=345427 on bush threats to veto the highway bill

I can't do it - but I know that sometimes DUers are able to watch cspan and give realtime reports (either watching on tv or via webcast.) Can anyone take this on? While on the surface it isn't sexy... I think there are some very big dynamic changes that might be happening in the house (and senate?) that could show up in this debate.

Thanks to anyone who can participate.

[goobergunch]

1. I'd be willing to do it, but I'm at school

The complete bill text can be found here.

To watch the Senate, click the C-SPAN 2 link in my sig.

[salin]

2. Looks like in the Senate

Sen. Reid (dem, minority whip) is speaking in favor - created a new formula to ensure that states receive at least 95cents back per dollar that has been paid in.

Sen. Bond (rep Missouri) is exchanging comments - both on a positive light.

Not getting much of a sense of all that is in the bill.

[salin]

3. Inhofe

mentioning - yesterday this was debated - and people were speaking against it in terms of what they will or will not get...

speaks (like the others) that this is a more fair bill than old highway bills.

- It will be more interesting to hear some criticism - to pull out what is included in this bill. But right now it is a 'love fest' for the bill.

[salin]

5. Inhofe - more in the bill than has been discussed - said he is going

to highlight these things now.

[seemslikeadream]

4. I'm watching

Senator Reid
We are going to have to work together to pass this bill. This bill is not a new invention. I am dumbfounded at people that come to the floor and complain
Senator Bond
Scope of this bill it is good for transportation policy. Every state will get fair
Senator Inhofe
There is not one state that is not treated fairly

[salin]

6. section 1205

references to the late Sen. Monyhan. - naming a highway (86 in NY) designated in Monyhan's name.

[salin]

7. 1301 federal share section

share of fed portion provisions by state; states with lower proportion of taxable land (eg lots of park land) would have a higher proportion of federal funds per land - as they have less taxable land to raise the money. (Who does this benefit?)

1302 section?

title 23 funds can be transfored to transit administration from state to state or other (federal?) authority as long as it is being used for the same project.

1303 transportation infrastructure innovation act

fed credits for major transportation projects.

[salin]

8. dry as heck isn't it?

amendment by warner to increase the set aside for metropolitan planning from 1% to 1 1/2 %.

[seemslikeadream]

9. At 3:00 we will ask for this to be adopted

:hi:

[salin]

10. maybe that should be when we tune back in

:shrug:

Now long announcement by Frist re: the state of his staff (all are doing well); the state of cleanup and reopening the senate office buildings (all things are going well - and will open soon - the last including the crime scene - the Dirkson Building - will open on Monday).