Each Presidential election year in the United States is an exciting and involved one, but many are calling this year’s Presidential race the most important of our time – one that the world is watching closely, one that will go down in American history. No matter which candidate takes the White House in the new year, transportation challenges remain the same and many are concerned.
 
“Transportation is something that affects all of us in our daily lives,” said Ronald Brownstein, Political Director for the Atlantic Media Company, on October 22 at a National Journal Group policy breakfast debate about transportation policy proposals. “It is critical to economic development and combating climate change.”

According to many political experts, the next Congress will have its hands full with current pressing transportation issues, but revenue sources for these proposals and projects remain unknown.

Lisa Caruso, Staff Correspondent for the National Journal, believes Congress will have to get “creative” to find revenue. She said that Congress is currently looking into public/private funding, and she is unsure if the next Congress will follow suit. The current transportation program “has lost its focus,” she said. “Everyone is fighting for a piece of the pie.”

Representatives from both the John McCain and Barrack Obama campaigns were at the National Journal Group event to discuss their candidates’ positions. Both believe a sound transportation infrastructure is important to a successful economy and that energy issues must be resolved to mend the current system.

Tackling aviation issues is a priority for both campaigns.  Senator McCain, who has served on the Senate Commerce Committee, which oversees aviation and most travel issues, has worked on FAA reauthorization bills for many years. In response to an August 26 communication failure at the FAA, which caused over six hundred flight delays, Senator McCain reiterated the need to “reform and repair the broken [air traffic control] system.”

Senator Obama supports swift passage of a FAA reauthorization bill. According to Obama Advisor Mortimer Downey, Obama believes that “soon we can develop and deliver a modernized air traffic control system. He has often addressed the issue from a passenger point of view, having this summer said, “Airline passengers are sick and tired of delays and cancellations.” Senator Obama would work to build “confidence in the American people that funds will be spent well,” said Downey.

Janet Kavinoky, Director of Transportation Infrastructure, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is hopeful that either candidate will take a strong approach to ensuring FAA reauthorization. “The current system cannot handle today’s capacity,” she said. “The chosen candidate must accelerate the issue, and commit to building the infrastructure he proposes.”

NBTA is working closely with both campaigns to ensure corporate travel issues and concerns are understood. “Travel issues haven’t made it quite to the top tear of the political agenda in Washington, but they are not far away,” said Stewart Verdery, Jr., NBTA Government Relations & Federal Strategies Consultant. “NBTA will continue its work with the new administration to advocate for the policies and proposals that will help make travel more affordable and secure.”

NBTA TV: Political Outlook

For more information about what corporate travel professionals can expect under an Obama versus a McCain administration, see the new NBTA-TV report “Political Outlook.”

Return to Connecting News October 2008