Latest EOBR proposal buried in controversial spending package

The debate over electronic onboard recorders for trucks is back in headlines. This time the issue is part of a massive multi-billion-dollar transportation overhaul proposed by Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure chairman.

While Oberstar wants to mandate EOBRs on all commercial vehicles as part of his Surface Transportation Authorization Act, a six-year, $500-billion replacement of the expiring 2005 Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act, it’s just a small part of a controversial package that guarantees a heated showdown with the White House.

The Obama administration favors an 18-month extension of the current highway reauthorization funding act in order to “deliberate the direction of America’s transportation priorities,” according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

Oberstar and other House leaders who support the new plan say time is of the essence. “We don’t have time for 18 months. That puts a Damocles sword of uncertainty over the future of transportation. It is unacceptable,” Oberstar said in a June press conference with Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.), who is cosponsoring the bill. “We are not in the business of delay. You’ve had enough of that in your transportation experience.”

The proposal would provide $337 billion in funding for highway construction, $100 billion for public transit and $50 billion to build a nationwide high-speed rail system.