Mileage Tax Gaining Speed in Congress
By Rob Hotakainen | McClatchy Newspapers
WASHINGTON — Despite opposition from the White House , a proposal to tax motorists on the number of miles they drive each year is gathering speed on Capitol Hill .
Its popularity is increasing as Congress searches for alternatives to the federal gasoline tax, which isn’t indexed to inflation and hasn’t been raised since 1993.
Supporters say that a mileage tax would be a more reliable source of funding for the upkeep of the nation’s roads and bridges. Many environmentalists endorse it, saying that it would lead to less driving and less pollution.
However, the proposal is raising privacy concerns — particularly if GPS devices were to monitor mileage — and opponents say that the last thing people need is a new tax, particularly in the middle of a recession. Some critics, moreover, fear that it would have a disproportionate impact in states such as California , which has longer-than-average commutes …
US Military Speeding Help to Mexico: Admiral
AFP
WASHINGTON (AFP) – The United States is working to rush assistance to Mexico as it fights violent drug cartels, including equipment to help authorities track the narcotics mafia, the top US military officer said.
“We’re all working very hard to move the capabilities that are desirable to Mexico as quickly as we can,” Admiral Mike Mullen told reporters late Friday from his aircraft after holding talks in Mexico.
“We all have a sense of urgency about this,” he said.
During his meetings with the country’s military leadership, Mullen said he discussed how Washington could help in the battle against the powerful cartels, citing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) as a crucial element.
“ISR, that kind of capability is certainly a big part of it,” Mullen said, using a term that can refer to unmanned drones.
He said the emphasis would be on sharing intelligence “but in recognition that there are additional assets that could be brought to bear across the full ISR spectrum.” …
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