Topic: U.S. Department of Transportation

Senate ban on budget earmarks: Can it really work?

Pressure on senators to direct money to their states can be tremendous, whether it's done by budget earmarks or some other way. Appropriations bills are only one avenue to deliver the goods.

Now that Mitch McConnell is aboard, how much would earmark ban save?

Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell has agreed to back a ban on earmarks. 'Pork barrel' projects in appropriations bills account for between 1 and 2 percent of total federal spending.

Opinion: Election tally: Glenn Beck won. Progressivism lost.

Glenn Beck and the Republican Party scored big in the midterm elections by attacking progressive values – even, it seems, the very concept of the federal government. Now Americans may find out just how many features of 'big government' they actually value.

Obama: Abraham Lincoln would have no place in today's GOP

In a California campaign stop Obama says Abraham Lincoln would not have fit in among this year's GOP candidates. Perhaps. But would Thomas Jefferson have made a good modern Democrat?

Google's self-driving cars will let you spend less time driving, more time Googling

In addition to preventing traffic accidents and reducing carbon emissions, Google hopes that it's self-driving cars will let you take your eyes off of the road so that you can focus on what's really important: looking at stuff on the Internet.

Texting caused total 'distracted driving' deaths to rise, study finds

If not for texting behind the wheel, the number of deaths from 'distracted driving' would have dropped each year from 2002 to 2007, according to a study released Thursday.

Bentley recall announced to replace potentially dangerous hood ornament

Bentley recall: Bentley Motors is recalling 820 cars worldwide over fears that its famous "Winged B" hood ornament could injure people in an accident.

Oil spills hit on land, too: Aging pipelines imperil Midwest

Oil spills in recent weeks, from Canadian-owned pipelines that supply Midwest refineries, are another sign of nation's aging infrastructure. Latest spill expected to raise Midwest gas prices by 30 cents a gallon for several weeks.

Gas explosion, San Bruno: how authorities will investigate it

The National Transportation Safety Board is the agency responsible for investigating pipeline accidents, and it’s likely to have a long list of questions about the gas explosion, San Bruno, Calif.

Pipeline in Michigan oil spill had been cited for corrosion

Federal regulators had issued safety warnings about the condition of the pipeline in the Michigan oil spill that leaked nearly 1 million gallons of oil into the Kalamazoo River this week.

Should airlines disclose all fees?

Texting-while-driving crackdown coming July 4 weekend

Texting while driving? Watch out! Cops will be out in force July 4 to nab distracted drivers.

US Lexus owners likely affected by Toyota recall

Toyota said Wednesday it is recalling 4,500 Lexus vehicles in Japan. Another 7,000 vehicles in other countries, including the US, are also likely affected.

'We need to come clean': e-mails could further damage Toyota

Internal e-mails at Toyota suggest a reluctance to address sudden acceleration. The documents come to light at a time when Toyota is trying to rebuild its image.

Impact of emission caps: costlier cars that will be cheaper to drive

New emission caps on greenhouse gases will add $950 to car prices but save $4,000 in fuel over the life of the car, the government says.

Grinch of St. Patrick's Day? Worker suspended for shamrock pride.

A Staten Island Ferry worker was suspended for showing his St. Patrick's Day cheer.

Opinion: Toyota recall: What next?

Toyota needs to settle its top management, gain control of its quality control, review its electronic engine systems, and get rid of its culture of secrecy and manipulation of public safety agencies.

Companies to build high-speed rail cars in the US

With a high-speed passenger rail network proposed for the US, companies are gearing up to build the equipment on American soil.

Toyota recall: Ray LaHood steps back from 'stop driving' comment

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says his advice to 'stop driving' recalled Toyotas was 'a misstatement.' A spokeswoman adds that it was merely an exhortation to owners to get their cars to the dealer 'as soon as possible.'

Opinion: US high-speed rail to the rescue

Bullet trains will save time, money, and the environment.

The Monitor's View: On board for fast trains

Obama’s high-speed rail plan starts America down the track to a more efficient way of transport. But this high-cost investment will need long-term commitment from the public and private sectors.

Opinion: Flight delays this Christmas?

Flight delays aren’t inevitable. There are proven ways – from revamping air traffic control to congestion pricing – to fix the problem.

Chevy Volt to hit California showrooms next year

GM said it will expand the Chevy Volt to new markets in coming months. In the meantime, the company will install 500 Volt charging stations for residential, commercial and public use.

Texting while driving: the new drunk driving

Texting and driving – and gadgets like iPods and GPS devices – are a public safety epidemic.