CORNISH: That's Florida Republican John Mica and Oregon Democrat Peter DeFazio. They and other committee members have written the president, rejecting his plan and calling for a total overhaul of transportation policy. Committee Chairman Jim Oberstar of Minnesota put together the bill.

Representative JIM OBERSTAR (Democrat, Minnesota; Chairman, House Transportation Committee): Would this legislation transform the department, the structure, the functions, the programs, to make a more deliverable, accountable, transparent and performance-based program?

CORNISH: Oberstar's proposal includes the creation of a national infrastructure bank for state's to go to for long-term projects. It provides billions of dollars for highway construction and mass transit systems. It would try to ease congestion and reduce project delays. But for some, like Senator Barbara Boxer of California, it's just too much, too soon.

Senator BARBARA BOXER (Democrat, California; Chairman, Public Works Committee): Let's be honest, here. When it comes to going to the Senate floor, this can't be done quickly. It has to take time, and time is not on our side in terms of a trust fund that could be out of funds.

CORNISH: Boxer chairs the Public Works Committee. She agrees with President Obama that the agenda is already full, with climate change, health care and the nomination of a new Supreme Court justice. She supports the 18-month extension of the transportation bill, but she's wondering where anyone is going to come up with $20 billion for the trust fund. Speaking before Boxer's committee last week, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says he's not sure.