There is something to be said for keeping an open mind—an axiom that certainly ought to apply notably to those few elected to govern the many. But while several members of both the Democratic and Republican parties have alluded to a willingness to at least discuss the proposition of gas tax increase to finding transportation infrastructure, John Boehner (R-OH), in a statement made yesterday, brought the rain before the parade could even begin.
"I've never voted to raise the gas tax," the Speaker told reporters, adding, “It's doubtful the votes are here to raise the gas tax" in the Republican-majority Congress that took office this week.
While aversion to tax increases is nothing new politically, one must suppose there is a subtler layer to Boehner’s statement. Since he’s “never” voted to raise the gas tax and since as Speaker he exerts enormous control over what does and does not get brought down the pike for consideration, perhaps what Boehner was really telling members of the press, and the American public to boot, is that Congressional members can make all the overtures they like; the idea of a gas tax increase is dead in the water now.
Couched in the supposition being voiced that there would be a lack of votes—a supposition that we are to assume relies on Boehner’s knowledge of, if not control over, members of his own party—is the fact that the Speaker’s office will do absolutely nothing to change that alleged fact.
If looked at through a more polish lens, then, what Boehner stated was simply, “There will be no gas tax increase on my watch.”
Now that gas prices are falling with the dexterity of a paratrooper, many in Washington see this as a golden opportunity to flood-fund necessary work on the nation’s roads and bridges. However it begins to shake out as leaders come together to work out a deal, the best that can be hoped for is that level heads prevail and whatever plan comes to the fore is not merely a flash in the pan or a band-aid, but a sustainable one.
