| The House of Representatives narrowly passed a sweeping $1.2 trillion continuing resolution that keeps federal transportation funding afloat through September of 2011.
The current surface transportation extension for SAFETEA-LU, one of several since the act officially ran its course in September of 2009, is set to expire at the end of this year. Next, the Senate must vote on what to do with funding levels for transportation and all other programs. In the House version passed on Dec. 8, transportation is part of a $64.9 billion appropriation that also includes Housing and Urban Development. In addition to extending all current transportation funding, the House also voted to allow Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration funding to be used for additional audits of new interstate carriers and grants to improve the commercial driver’s license program. Rep. James Oberstar, the outgoing Democratic representative from Minnesota and chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, favors another one-year extension while incoming Chair John Mica (R-FL) wants a shorter extension. Congress must act by Dec. 18, when the federal government shuts down for Christmas. Becky Weber, managing director at Washington, D.C.-based lobbyist Prime Policy Group, said SAFETEA-LU would likely be extended until spring of 2011. She added the Senate is unlikely to follow suit on the continuing resolution, especially as the House version only passed by a 212-206 margin. Instead, Weber said it appears the Senate will seek an omnibus bill to keep transportation and other programs afloat. But that will need 60 votes, which is unlikely as Republicans and many Democrats want to see cuts as well as have a say on what programs are funded. And many bills passed in the House, such as immigration reform and tax bills, can’t get through the Senate. “It’s far from over,” Weber added. “Everything is very fluid and dynamic right now.” |
| Written by Ryan Gray |
| Thursday, 09 December 2010 10:09 |
