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— Boeing is sparring with a House committee over the release of information about lawmakers’ own probe into the grounded 737 MAX.
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— The continuing resolution that lawmakers are working on doesn’t give state DOTs a way to avoid the claw back of $7.6 billion in federal funding.
— The FAA’s remote identification rule for drones is a tiny step closer to finally seeing the light of day.
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BOEING SPARS WITH CONGRESS: Already embattled by two crashes and the ongoing grounding of the 737 MAX, Boeing is sparring with lawmakers over the release of information about the aircraft. Our Brianna Gurciullo has the whole story, which revolves around a press release that the House Transportation Committee released last week, making public that lawmakers want to interview several Boeing employees about the MAX certification. Boeing shot back saying it was “deeply disappointed the committee chose to release private correspondence given our extensive cooperation to date.” Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), a former wrestler who’s never afraid get in a rhetorical tussle, said he expects Boeing to “respond in a timely manner to our request and spare the effort on drafting misleading press releases.”
As Brianna writes, it’s not clear what Boeing took issue with. The press release didn’t explicitly reference the contents of the committee’s letter, beyond saying it requested interviews with certain Boeing employees. And when asked to clarify exactly what “private correspondence” it felt was released, Boeing refused.
Another twist from over the weekend: The New York Times reported the manufacturer turned him down when DeFazio requested its presence at a hearing. “Next time it won’t just be an invitation, if necessary,” he said. Brianna confirmed DeFazio’s statement and talked to Boeing, which wouldn’t address specifics but said it “is working diligently and transparently with committees in both the House and the Senate to ensure that proper information is being shared and we will continue to do so.”
REMOTE ID RULE ON THE MOVE: Maybe the pressure last week from the drone industry and lawmakers worked. Or maybe it was just the crawling behemoth that is the federal regulatory process finally crossing over some key line. Either way, the remote identification rule governing drones, which has been delayed several times at the FAA, is on the move. The rule is now at OMB for review, Brianna reports, with publication now expected in December. However, it would not be surprising if that date ended up getting pushed back again.
INACTION ON THE HILL MEANS STATES FACE TRANSPORTATION FUNDING LOSS: Congress appears poised to let a $7.6 billion transportation cut baked into the FAST Act go through unscathed, our Tanya Snyder reports. The 2015 law included a provision withdraws $7.6 billion from states on July 1, 2020 — three months before it expires. As Tanya writes: “It was drafted as a way to lower the law’s price tag. And now that bill is coming due.” Some had hoped the continuing resolution that lawmakers are hashing out would include language to repeal the rescission, but no dice. Technically, it would be possible to repeal the rescission sometime next year, but experts say it would be far less cumbersome for state DOTs if it happened before Congress enacts a fiscal 2020 spending bill.
THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS: Appropriations remain the main focus for lawmakers. Senate appropriators will mark up their Transportation-HUD bill in subcommittee on Tuesday and then in full committee on Thursday, so we’ll get a first look at the text this week. Meanwhile, the two chambers are working on an agreement on a stopgap spending bill that would push back the end-of-fiscal-year deadline and give everyone more time to find agreement on a full year of government funding.
In the House, the Transportation Committee has a Tuesday hearing on the challenges and opportunities for commuter railroads.
EMISSIONS FIGHT GETS ATTENTION FROM 2020 RACE: The fight between President Donald Trump and the automakers that have sided with California on auto emissions standards seeped into the 2020 presidential campaign on Friday, as Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) asked the DOJ’s inspector general to look into the administration’s antitrust probe of the four companies. In a letter, she said the investigation raises questions about whether federal law enforcement is being used for political purposes. She suggests “the administration’s rationale is not in line with the precedents under the Clean Air Act or the details of the voluntary emissions agreement,” writes Pro Energy’s Alex Guillén. Read his coverage for the details, and check out the senator’s letter.
UAW STRIKES: Already in chaos after three more union leaders were implicated in a federal embezzlement probe on Friday, United Auto Workers announced on Sunday it would strike after failing to come to an agreement with General Motors. NPR reports: “Production across the country is expected to be halted affecting nearly 50,000 workers, which is anticipated to idle U.S. production until both sides agree to a new contract.” UAW said it’s fighting for better wages, affordable quality health care, and job security.
GM said in a statement that the company is disappointed UAW didn’t accept an offer that included “over $7 billion in investments and more than 5,400 jobs.”
BIG OIL’S WAR ON EVS: Pro Energy’s Gavin Bade had a new story over the weekend breaking down the oil industry’s war with the electric car movement. Oil companies have challenged utility companies’ plans to build electric vehicle charging stations in 10 states, and they “feel like they’re on the side of the angels” because they’re pushing for a free market, according to one industry representative. The oil companies are also fighting against tax credits for EVs. Pro subscribers can read much more.
TRYING AGAIN ON THE PORTAL BRIDGE: New Jersey on Friday filed yet another funding application for the long-stalled replacement for the Portal Bridge. As POLITICO New Jersey’s Ryan Hutchins reports, the project’s sponsor, N.J. Transit, says it’s addressed several issues raised when the federal government rejected the last application for the bridge project. The new paperwork adds a cushion in case of cost overruns and dedicates more money both from local sources and Amtrak, which will add $55 million in additional funds from passenger revenue.
— “Company announces $14 billion deal to build Texas Bullet Train.” Houston Chronicle.
— “Uber adopts a Lyft-shaped regulatory workaround in New York City.” POLITICO Pro.
— “Meet the folks planning to ruin your commute on September 23.” Washingtonian.
— “Travel agent charged for alleged fraud on Delta loyalty points program.” Atlanta Journal Constitution.
— “Fearing ‘spy trains,’ Congress may ban a Chinese maker of subway cars.” New York Times.
DOT appropriations run out in 15 days. The FAA reauthorization expires in 1,477 days. Highway and transit policy is up for renewal in 382 days.
