Senate clears amendment to exclude privatized highways from receiving federal transportation funds

The Senate, 50-47, cleared an amendment proposed by Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) and Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) on Tuesday that would bar privatized highways that make cash payouts to states from receiving federal transportation funds.

“My amendment simply ensures they are removed from consideration when we allocate federal funds,” Bingaman said prior to the vote.

But Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) accused Democrats of limiting states’ ability to spend their own tax dollars in the way they see fit.  

“This amendment eliminates a state’s right to prioritize its assets,” DeMint said. “It’s immoral to take away a state’s right to capitalize on its own assets.”