FMCSA 2009 Budget Released
FMCSA released its budget for FY 2009. The agency has requested funding levels for state motor safety grant programs at the SAFETEA-LU authorized levels.
| 2009 Request | 2008 Enacted | |
| MCSAP | $209 Million | $202 Million |
| CVISN | $25 | $25 |
| CDL | $25 | $25 |
| CDLIS | $8 | $8 |
| PRISM | $5 | $5 |
| SAFETY DATA | $3 | $3 |
| BORDER | $32 | $32 |
| Total | $307 Million | $300 Million |
It appears likely that the 2009 requested schedule of funding will be approved by the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. The question is whether Congress will finish work on these bills in time for the start of the 2009 FY.
Congressional 2008 Hearing Schedules Starting to Emerge
The House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit has indicated a potential hearing on drug and alcohol testing pending the completion of another GAO report, a hearing on truck and size and weight issues, and a hearing on highway and motor carrier safety issues. These hearings may not actually take place until April or May.
On the Senate side, the Commerce Committee has indicated hearings will be held in the near future on the Mexican border pilot program and on bus safety. Motor carrier safety reauthorization hearings will likely occur later in the spring.
These potential hearing schedules are always subject to change and we will monitor the situation closely.
Electronic-on-Board Recorders (EOBR’s)
Senator Lautenberg has said he plans to introduce and move legislation in the current session of Congress that will mandate the use of EOBR’s. More details as they emerge.