As Passenger Transport went to press, the full House was discussing five alternatives to H.Con.Res. 25, a concurrent resolution establishing the federal budget for Fiscal Year 2014 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2015 through FY 2023, under a rule.

The alternatives under consideration are:

* An amendment that inserts the text of S.Con.Res. 8, the Senate Democratic budget resolution currently pending consideration in the Senate.

* The Congressional Black Caucus ­Substitute Amendment, which calls for $2.8 trillion in added revenue. This budget includes a $500 billion jobs bill that increases funds for infrastructure by $230 billion over 10 years, as well as funding for workforce development.

* The Congressional Progressive Caucus Substitute Amendment, which provides for more than $8.7 trillion in new spending including investments in infrastructure, aid to states, and public works jobs programs. It also seeks to reduce deficits by $4.4 trillion.

* The Republican Study Committee (RSC) Substitute Amendment, which seeks to achieve balance within four years.

* The Democratic Caucus Substitute Amendment, with spending at a level $5.1 trillion above the Republican budget.

In the Senate, consideration of a budget resolution is expected to begin this week. It had been delayed by ongoing debate regarding amendments to the Continuing Resolution.

While Congress debates the broad budget outlines, APTA continues to work toward specific measures that will strengthen Highway Trust Fund and Mass Transit Account resources in preparation for the next surface transportation bill.

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