As McConnell thinks highway bill ready to unveil, the poisonous riders emerge from woodwork

McConnell May Unveil Transportation Bill Today

Senate Majority expresses confidence in bipartisan deal.

The Hill: "...the Kentucky Republican is keeping the details close to his chest ... An initial list of offsets circulated among lawmakers and lobbyists included a proposal to index customs fees to inflation, which one transportation expert said could be described as a tax increase. Another option proposed would lower the dividend that the Federal Reserve pays to big banks to park their funds at the bank ... One Senate GOP aide said the plan would likely span three years."

http://thehill.com/policy/transportation/248591-mcconnell-goes-big-on-roads-bill


Presidential candidates in the Senate eye transportation bill for grandstanding opportunities.

National Journal: "Cruz promised last week to use 'any and all procedural tools' to block any move reauthorizing the Export-Import bank ... Paul, meanwhile, is planning to use 'all legislative vehicles at his disposal in order to ensure there is immediate action to eliminate taxpayer funding to Planned Parenthood,' ... (Cruz) intends to file amendments to fully repeal (Obamacare.)"

http://www.nationaljournal.com/2016-elections/a-highway-bill-jammed-with-2016-jockeying-20150720