Oregon Democrats delayed a key transportation funding vote until September 17 due to Senator Gorsek's health issues, affecting the passage of a bill that includes tax hikes and aims to prevent transportation worker layoffs, with the delay allowing Gorsek to recover and participate in the vote.
The Maine Board of Environmental Protection (BEP) has indefinitely postponed a vote on a sweeping electric vehicle (EV) mandate due to a storm that caused widespread power outages. The storm, which led to a state of emergency declaration by Democratic Maine Gov. Janet Mills, resulted in the closure of state government offices. The proposed mandate, which aims to mimic California's regulations, has faced bipartisan opposition, with concerns raised about the reliability of electricity generation and supply during storms. Critics argue that the U.S. power grid is ill-equipped to handle the increased demand from widespread EV adoption.
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation has delayed its vote on Phillip Washington's nomination to lead the Federal Aviation Administration. Washington, who was nominated by President Biden in July, is chief executive of Denver International Airport. Republican senators argue that Washington is unqualified, while unions representing 75,000 flight attendants, and other supporters, back his nomination. The White House reiterated its backing of Washington on Wednesday, saying in a statement that "the FAA needs a confirmed Administrator, and the President’s nominee, Phil Washington, has the right qualifications and experience for this role.”