The Conference Committee working to reconcile House and Senate proposals for the next Federal transportation bill failed to make any significant progress before Congress adjourned for the summer. It did, however, extend existing TEA-21 programs through the end of September. The stumbling block continues to be overall funding levels.
Meanwhile, America Bikes encourages people to take advantage of the summer recess to meet with Members of Congress while they are in their home districts. Next week, the campaign will post information on what to say, and what to leave behind with Members, on http://www.americabikes.org. "Let's take this opportunity to thank Congress for including some good provisions for bicycling and walking in the two bills, and make sure they know our priorities for the final version of the legislation. Whether you invite your elected representatives to a club ride or meeting, take them for a short ride around town, or meet them over the barbecue grill, remind them that when America Bikes, America Benefits," says Andy Clarke, newly elected President of the America Bikes campaign and Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists.
