Senate Moves Highway Bill Forward
The Senate voted on Wednesday to move forward a bipartisan highway bill that had been blocked by a procedural vote just a day before.

Sen. McConnell contends that if the Senate can pass its highway bill quickly, the House may be persuaded to agree to a multi-year package. Photo: mcconnell.senate.gov

Sen. McConnell contends that if the Senate can pass its highway bill quickly, the House may be persuaded to agree to a multi-year package. Photo: mcconnell.senate.gov
The Senate voted on Wednesday to move forward a bipartisan highway bill that had been blocked by a procedural vote just a day before.
That failed vote had come only hours after the measure had been introduced by its co-sponsors, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Committee on Environment & Public Works.
By a vote of 62-36, per a Politico.com news alert, the Senate voted to begin debate and to take up amendments to the Boxer-McConnell bill during a Wednesday afternoon session.
But with several senators having signaled they may seek amendments related to such divisive issues as repealing Obamacare, blocking reauthorization of the Export-Import bank and tightening abortion restrictions, it’s debatable whether Sen. McConnell can achieve his stated goal of getting the bill passed by this Sunday so it can be sent to the House for quick consideration.
The House has already passed a highway bill. But that measure is a short-term patch that will expire in December.
The Boxer-McConnell bill would reauthorize surface-transportation programs for six years. However, it is also a stopgap of sorts as it would fund projects only for the next three years – leaving it to the next Congress to determine how to fund the last three years the measure covers.
The majority leader had said on Tuesday that "I can't say the House will pass a long-term bill, and without raising the gas tax, but it is more appealing [to do that] than doing this again in December.”
More Operations

The Next Evolution of Fleet Management: Autonomous Operations
This opening keynote session at the Fleet Forward Conference highlights the future of autonomous driving for fleets.
Read More →
How to Reduce the Total Cost of Risk From Catalytic Converter Theft
A stolen catalytic converter can cost fleets far more in downtime and lost productivity than in repairs. A total-cost-of-risk approach can help fleet managers quantify their exposure and prioritize theft prevention.
Read More →
Personal-Use Charges Rise as Vehicle Values Fall | AF News Recap
Personal-use charges are climbing, wholesale used-vehicle values are declining, and commercial fleet sales growth is slowing. This week, we're breaking down the latest fleet data, plus how Element Fleet Management is helping Waymo prepare for its first Canadian robotaxi market.
Read More →
Here's When You Should Make an Exception to Fleet Policy
Fleet policies are designed to create consistency, but not every driver or situation fits neatly within standard rules.
Read More →
AI-Native or AI-Acquired: What Should Fleet Managers Look for in an AI Platform?
Six questions can help fleet managers look beyond AI marketing claims to evaluate integration, data access, and real-world operational performance.
Read More →
A buyer's guide to fleet management software in 2027
Buying fleet management software in 2027 means looking beyond features and price. As fleet operations, technology and expectations evolve, this guide explores what today’s fleet professionals should consider when choosing a system that can deliver value now and adapt to what comes next.
Read More →
What Will Shape the Next Era of Fleet Management?
EVs, AI, and autonomous vehicles are reshaping fleet management. Discover what’s ahead—and how fleet leaders can prepare for the next era.
Read More →
How Fleets Can Recruit and Train Veterans for Technician Roles
Here's how the technician shortage has affected uptime for fleets, and what to do about it.
Read More →
Avis Budget Group Deploys Neology Toll Management Technology Across Major Brands
Neology’s neoFleet platform will manage toll transactions and toll-authority operations for vehicles across Avis, Budget, Payless, Budget Truck and Zipcar.
Read More →
Fleet Personal-Use Charges Edge Higher in 2026
Nearly eight in 10 surveyed fleets allow personal use of company vehicles, while just over half of respondents report charging employees for the privilege.
Read More →
