This year is turning out to be an expensive one for the federal government.

The Hill is reporting that congressional Democrats are pushing for a $410 billion highway bill that they want signed by President Barack Obama by the end of September. The legislation is expected to be drafted by July.

The most recent highway bill approved by Congress was in 2005, which carried a price tag of $286 billion. It also brought the American public one memorable, and ultimately unsuccessful, pork project: the $320 million "Bridge to Nowhere."

The Hill also reports that lawmakers have already submitted $136.3 billion in earmark requests - many bound for the cutting room floor. The 2005 highway bill ultimately included $24 billion in earmark spending, which is funding for local projects.

At least one member of North Dakota's congressional delegation is already jockeying for funds in the upcoming highway bill.

Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., held a field hearing in Dickinson on Thursday about the possible expansion of Highway 85 into a "high priority corridor," according to the Associated Press.

If successful, the highway would be eligible for new federal and special dollars.

Reception for reporter

In honor of outgoing Forum Communications Capitol reporter Janell Cole, a reception is being held on Thursday on the 18th floor of the state Capitol

The gathering starts at 2:30 p.m. and ends at 4 p.m.

Forum Communications closed its Capitol bureau earlier this month.

Cole spent the last 10 years covering North Dakota state government and politics and is someone I consider a colleague and a mentor.

Her sense of humor and breadth of knowledge about North Dakota and its leaders will be sorely missed - especially in the Capitol press room.

Seeking a second term

Gary Emineth, chairman of the North Dakota GOP, announced recently that he will seek a second term as leader of the state party.

Emineth took over as chairman of the NDGOP in 2007.

The Republican Party holds every constitutionally elected office in the state and the governor's office. It also controls both state legislative chambers.

North Dakota's three congressional seats have long been held by Democratic lawmakers. Emineth said his goal is to change that in the 2010 election.

The state GOP will vote on Emineth's potential second term - as well as a slate of other party officials - on June 20.

NDGOP Executive Director Paul Sorenson said no one is expected to challenge Emineth for the post.

Tea time

Another tea party - the protesting type - is scheduled in Bismarck on July 2, organized by the North Dakota Taxpayers' Association.

Picketing is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. on the Capitol mall.

(Reach reporter Brian Duggan at 223-8482 or at brian.duggan@bismarcktribune.com.)