In an effort to derail the highway/transit bill, Sen. Judd Gregg (R-New Hampshire) on Thursday sought to add to the bill an amendment to guarantee collective bargaining rights to policemen and firefighters, and prevent them from striking. We spoke on Thursday with representatives of the Bush White House, two Senators and several staff members on this issue. All indicated the Gregg amendment could do significant damage to the chances for enactment of the bill.

On the House side, Don Young (R-Alaska), chairman of the House Transporation and Infrastructure Committee, is attempting to obtain an extension of TEA-21 for at least four months, but possibly for up to a year. Young needs more time to iron out details with Bill Thomas (R-California), chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. Reports coming to us from the committee staff indicate the House leadership and the Administration are sending signals that the Senate figure of $311 Billion over six years for highways and transit is the highest that will be acceptable. It is unclear whether Young will decide to mark-up a six-year bill at that level or give up for this year and press for a longer term extension.

The nail-biting will continue next week.