advertisement

---

Yesterday, the U.S. House approved a combined bill that would provide a short-term extension of the surface transportation bill (SAFETEA-LU) and maintain current funding levels for transit, highway and aviation programs.

The highway and transit side of the bill would extend funding at current levels until March 31, 2012; the most recent extension was set to expire Sept. 30.

Congress has delayed passing a long-term surface transportation bill for two years, said Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, in a prepared statement.

“While this legislation signifies a bipartisan, bicameral agreement to move forward, it must not be just a temporary Band-Aid for our important aviation, highway, rail and safety programs, and for job creation,” he said. “To build our nation’s infrastructure and put people to work, we need long-term authorizations of these programs. This action represents a last chance to roll up our sleeves and get transportation projects in America moving again.”

Hopefully, this will be the last short-term extension for the legislation and a comprehensive highway bill can be passed soon, said Rep. John Duncan (R-Tenn.), who chairs the Highways and Transit Subcommittee.

“By passing a long-term reauthorization bill, Americans will be able to see their tax dollars going toward rebuilding and strengthening our nation’s highways, bridges and transit systems,” he said.