Republicans say they're concerned the administration is sidelining highway legislation as divisions deepen over the definition of infrastructure and President Joe Biden's proposed $2.25 trillion package. The surface transportation law that's set to expire at the end of September has largely been in the shadow of Biden's push for infrastructure spending. Instead, the president and his allies have launched a campaign to revitalize roads, transit and bridges - along with many other projects - through a separate package funded by tax increases. That strategy has drawn Republican opposition. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) said people in the industry tell him they're more concerned about what Congress will do on an annual basis. He said he wants to know "the reason why we're not tackling that or that dependability and reliability that most are looking for," and instead turning to "one big flurry of spending." Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said he sees surface reauthorization and the infrastructure package "moving in parallel," with an opportunity for major spending with Biden's proposal.
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