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WASHINGTON — The federal government’s main source of transportation funding is headed for its own “fiscal cliff” unless Congress acts to pay for infrastructure needs that are critical to the economy, a transportation official said Nov. 21 during an American Highway Users Alliance conference.

The Department of Transportation is asking the public for comments on its four-year strategic plan for the nation’s transportation and infrastructure.

Transportation spending dominated much of the political crossfire in Washington last week between President Obama and House Republicans.

Freight industry representatives asked lawmakers to confront urban transportation challenges, including congestion, intermodal connections and port infrastructure.

President Obama said Tuesday that he wants to use billions that would be saved by his proposal to close overseas business-tax loopholes to fund infrastructure projects.

President Obama said Thursday he plans to roll out a new infrastructure plan in the coming weeks and take it to the country to create jobs and make the American economy more competitive globally.

The Department of 91��Ƶland Security and Canadian officials announced a joint border infrastructure investment plan to reduce border crossing wait times and improve security.

President Obama signed a memorandum to speed up the permitting process for major infrastructure projects.

A Republican senator and a Democratic representative are each proposing to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure by giving tax incentives to U.S. corporations to bring overseas profits home.