News From ASET - January 27, 2005

Congress to Attempt Final Bill in 2005

According to Hill sources, Congress will move quickly to pass a final highway reauthorization bill in 2005. The last extension runs out May 31st and so the plan now is to move the bill into conference in February and then hash out the remaining issues there. President Bush is scheduled to offer his budget February 7th and that will be a key indicator as to whether both his administration and Congress will be able to reach a compromise on funding over the next five years.

Rehberg Named to Appropriations Committee

Denny Rehberg (R-MT), ASET’s lead sponsor of our legislative language, was granted a seat on the House Appropriations Committee and will thus have to leave his post on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. While this is unfortunate for ASET, he has promised to continue his support of our cause and we will work with his staff as our issue moves forward during reauthorization.

ASET To Hold Fly-In Event This Spring

The coalition will hold a fly-in event in March or April of 2005 to press Congress for legislation that permits six-axle trucks to haul more than the current 80,000-pound freeze allows. We will be working to secure a lead sponsor for this issue so that we can circulate a letter and follow-up with Members of Congress in both chambers that will help decide the final reauthorization bill. ASET anticipates having a role-playing session in the morning, a day of meetings with a break for lunch, and then a dinner that evening for all ASET members and hopefully staff and a Member of Congress or two. Last year’s fly-in event generated nearly 30 signatures in support of ASET’s legislation. This year we will be asking for direct support during the final conference deliberations. In addition, we will continue to work with Chairman Don Young (R-AK) and his committee staff to ensure our strategy and success.

New ASET Treasurer Named

John Runyan of International Paper has agreed to become ASET’s Treasurer for 2005. John has been an active member of ASET for five years and is currently on our Executive Committee. All financial records and reports will be sent to John quarterly where we will review and can circulate to all and any dues-paying members of ASET upon request.