While the United states Armed Forces (private mercenaries) are stationed at 737 bases, in 130 nations around the world, defending “all freedom-loving people everywhere in the world,” Douglas W. Elmendorf, Director of the Congressional Budget Office, releases the CBO report, “Alternative Approaches to Funding Highways,” to the senate budget committee.  As revenues are gasoline excise (Indirect tax (“a tax exacted indirectly from a person other than the one on whom the ultimate burden of the tax is expected to fall.” [Such as tariffs on imports] —- Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary Unabridged Dictionary) tax revenues are declining due to decreased traveling, more fuel efficient automobiles, and hybrid and electric automobiles, Elmendorf suggests creation of a “vehicle miles traveled” tax requiring installation of metering equipment on all “vehicles” (a legal term for an “automobile or truck” bearing goods, services or persons in commercial transit) and requiring the tax to be paid when refueling at gas stations.  Elmendorf also suggests that charging a higher tax during peak road usage and on heavier vehicles.

       [added 4/25/2022] Thanks to Freedom’s Phoenix for this entry.