Voters will revolt if the federal government ignores the need for better freeways, more passenger trains and fewer fatal crashes, according to Rep. Don Young, R-AK, who said his $375 billion transportation bill faces a tough battle in Congress, where many members aren't willing to raise gasoline taxes to pay for the improvements.

If Congress cuts corners, there would not be enough money to pay for any new projects or even to maintain existing roads, Young said, as reported by the Texas Star-Telegram.

"I see the light, and I'm disturbed that others don't see the light," Young said during a 90-minute transportation summit at Texas Woman's University. "In 10 years, we're going to have a revolution on our hands."

He predicted Americans would back an increase in the gas tax because they consider it a "user fee," not a traditional tax.

"The public will support the expenditure of dollars, whether it's a user fee or what, if they know it's going to fix a problem," he said.

Young is touring the country trying to win support for transportation funding. Congress is expected to vote on the issue by Feb. 29, when current funding runs out. However, many lawmakers in Washington say they cannot support higher taxes.