Oberstar said in a Thursday interview with CQ Today that he has been talking recently with LaHood about options for highway funding. Coming to an agreement with the administration could clear the way for action on the highway, transit, and high-speed-rail reauthorization bill after Congress returns from recess Nov. 15 for a post-election "lame duck" session.

"All we need really is agreement from the White House on a funding mechanism," Oberstar told the newsletter. "And I think we're moving in that direction."

Senior Democratic aides said there is little chance of moving a highway reauthorization in the post-election session that will start the week of Nov. 15, although Congress will have to act before its final adjournment to keep funds flowing because the current short-term extension of transportation authorization law expires Dec. 31.

Oberstar said the transportation reauthorization should be accompanied by an increase of at least 15 cents per gallon in the federal gasoline tax (currently 18.4 cents per gallon). He has floated the idea with a number of transportation allies such as retiring Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, in a bid to build support to move the highway reauthorization in the post-election session or early in the new Congress.

LaHood has stated numerous times since taking office in January 2009 that the Obama administration does not support increasing fuel taxes during tough economic times.

The president proposed Sept. 6 that a six-year transportation reauthorization measure be frontloaded with an extra $50 billion. (see Sept. 10 AASHTO Journal story) Oberstar said that he would be open to the idea of moving a smaller infrastructure funding bill of perhaps $50 billion, but only if it were part of a broader legislative plan for advancing a long-term reauthorization.

“We could do the $50 billion as a down payment," Oberstar said. "But it has to be part of a plan. It can't just be a piece of the puzzle. We have to have a complete plan."