HR 3311: another tax and GPS units for all

US Representative Earl Blumenauer, a Democrat from Oregon, introduced H.R. 3311 for research and study into a transition into a per-mile vehicle tax system. The proposed study will cost taxpayers 154,500,000.00. Yes, that's 154 million dollars.

The concern, and the reason for the proposed vehicle miles traveled (VMT) fee is, with the growing popularity of fuel efficient vehicles, less gas is purchased which results in fewer tax dollars available for a variety of government endeavors.

I mean road improvements.

“Oregon has successfully tested a Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) fee, and it is time to expand and test the VMT program across the country,” Blumenauer said in a statement on the bill’s introduction. “A VMT system can better assess fees based on use of our roads and bridges, as well as during times of peak congestion, than a fee based on fuel consumption. It is time to get creative and find smart ways to rebuild and renew America’s deteriorating infrastructure.”

I am confused by the need for 154 million dollars if Oregon has already "successfully tested" the program? And if the thought of spending more tax money to administer a more complicated revenue system doesn't concern you, maybe the requirement that every car must have a GPS tracking device installed in it does?