Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) on Tuesday night set up a Wednesday debate and vote over a Republican amendment that would eliminate a requirement that a percentage of federal highway funding has to be used by states for beautification, historic preservation or other activities not directly related to improving transportation infrastructure.

The proposal, from Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), would amend the so-called “minibus” appropriations bill that the Senate is hoping to approve this week.

Rep. Ron Paul's plan to "restore America" includes abolishing the Transportation Security Administration.

President Obama's proposal to increase taxes and fees on flights has united the normally fractious aviation industry, Air Transport Association President Nicholas Calio said Tuesday.

In a speech to the Aero Club of Washington, Calio said Obama's suggestion that a per-takeoff fee on flights that could run as high as $100 be included in a plan to reduce the federal deficit has brought together segments of the aviation industry that are often diametrically opposed.

"These tax proposals have accomplished what everyone in this room knows is near impossible: unite the entire industry," he said. "The airlines, the unions, employees, airports and our customers are aligned in opposition to these tax increases."

Southwest Airlines is arguing against President Obama's proposal to increase taxes on flights to reduce the federal deficit.

The departments of Transportation and Commerce said Tuesday that they will work together on increasing the number of manufacturing projects that use equipment and parts made in America.

Officials in both departments announced a partnership they said will help more manufacturers meet the “Buy America” requirements for DOT grants and loans using the Commerce Department’s “Manufacturing Extension Partnership” program.

The program currently works with 34,000 companies that make supplies for manufacturing projects. 

The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority has hired lobbyists to deal with the investigation of last month's accident, which killed 11 people.

Your morning transportation speed-read:

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a couple accused of having sex while skydiving.

A woman is accusing the Transportation Security Administration of taking her child's juice at Baltimore's BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport.

Hertz Rent-a-Car is looking for more electric cars.

Meanwhile, environmentalists are unhappy with General Motors electric car efforts.

Popular airplane ticket sales website Orbitz has been fined by the Department of Transportation for not disclosing taxes and fees on ticket prices, officials said Monday.

The DOT fined Orbitz $60,000 for the infractions, which violate recently approved passenger protections passed by the agency that have been dubbed the Airline Passengers' Bill of Rights.

"Consumers have a right to know the full price they will be paying for air fares," Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a statement.

The program, designed to decrease security wait times for frequent fliers, will be extended to Detroit's Metro International Airport.