The Senate-House conference committee working on reauthorization of the TEA-LU bill met twice this week, according to America Bikes Campaign Manager Emeritus, Martha Roskowski. TEA-LU provides funding for bicycle infrastructure, pedestrian trail systems, and greenways.
In its current form, the Senate bill calls for $318 billion over 6 years, the House bill calls for $284 billion. The Bush Administration originally demanded a funding level of less than $256 billion, but now says that they might accept a funding level of $284 billion.
According to Roskowski, it's not clear whether this concession will be enough to jump-start the process. Both the House and Senate passed another extension until the end of September, and the Congress promptly packed up and left for a five-week break.
Roskowski said, “Members will go to the Conventions and head back home, so it's a good opportunity to catch up with them on bicycle issues My guess is that we don't see a bill until 2005, but we've laid a very strong foundation for success ”
