Far West

Senate Republican leaders are working on a multiyear transportation bill that would resolve the shortfall in the Highway Trust Fund by dedicating roughly $40 billion of additional revenue to it from a variety of sources.

The Daughters of Charity Health System has reached an agreement with a private investment firm that will invest $250 million in the ailing California hospital nonprofit.

The Senate Finance Committee is pressing Treasury Secretary Jack Lew for positions on Puerto Rico, including whether it supports giving the troubled territory the ability to allow its public entities to file for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 9.

The most controversial aspect of the bill affecting water districts in 17 Western states is that it would repeal California's authority to implement the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act.

California Gov. Jerry Brown has signed a new law securing revenues for general obligation bonds issued by local governments — a move designed to protect bondholders in a bankruptcy proceeding. But rating agencies have mixed feelings about whether it will be of much benefit to holders of local GOs in the nation's most populous state.

Virginia will eliminate tolls on two tunnels under construction with $78 million saved by cancelling a P3 road project.

Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., hopes that one day, parents will give their kids infrastructure bonds for the holidays.

The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board is proposing to create a trade data product that would allow higher education researchers to see what dealers are doing while keeping the dealer identities anonymous.

Rep. Charlie Rangel, D-N.Y. and Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, have introduced identical bills that would make permanent and enhance the Qualified Zone Academy Bond program.

Senators are optimistic about passage next week of a multiyear transportation funding reauthorization measure.