GOP Draft Shows Scope of Roads Strategy

That trouble could be seen on the faces of Republican lawmakers as they struggled to respond to increasing criticism and convince their doubting members that a transportation plan should be approved this year.

House leaders, including Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford), face a near-revolt from their most conservative members.

"I don't understand why we have a $1 billion surplus, and we're out grabbing for more tax money," said Prince William Del. Robert G. Marshall (R). Marshall sarcastically announced at the end of a committee meeting that he was going to a GOP gathering to "be told what taxes we're going to increase."

In the Senate, Republican negotiators face different challenges.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman John H. Chichester (R-Northumberland) has not taken part in the talks and is opposed to the use of general funds for transportation, according to lawmakers who have talked to him.

Chichester, who rules the powerful finance committee with an iron hand, declined to comment about the negotiations on his way to the Kaine reception.

"I'm going to have a drink," he told reporters.

Chichester's opposition could spell doom for a deal even if the negotiators reach an agreement, lawmakers and lobbyists said. Chichester, Norment and three other Republican senators have been called "the Gang of Five" for years because of their close friendship and tight control of legislation.

One Republican aide said Wednesday that the debate over transportation is fraying that friendship and noted that recent meetings have been as frigid as the outside weather.