The debate was prompted by remarks LaHood? made in his opening statement that all options for funding the nation's surface transportation program are on the table. During questioning, Voinovich, a supporter of increasing the federal motor fuels tax, asked LaHood? if one of the funding options might be a gas tax hike. LaHood? emphatically responded that the Administration will not support an increase in the gas tax during the current recession. Voinovich then accused the administration of not realistically judging the solvency of the Highway Trust Fund. Committee Chairman Barbara Boxer (D-CA) echoed further disappointment in the administration pointing out that the Secretary had stated in his opening remarks that all options must be explored, and was now contradicting that statement.

During the course of the hearing, ASCE's 2009 Report Card on America's Infrastructure was cited by two members of the Committee, Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Tom Udall (D-NM) and a witness, Governor Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania.

ASCE submitted a statement for the record of the March 25 hearing which will be available shortly on the GR Department page. ASCE supports increasing the federal motor fuels tax by twenty-five cents a gallon.