As Congress returned from its August recess, it was faced with a looming deadline: deciding the future of the nation’s surface transportation system before the current law expired on Sept. 30. Due to a shortened month as a result of the holidays, an extension of the current program was likely, the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) reported in its newsletter on Sept. 9.

House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Jim Oberstar, D-Minn., continued to push for action on his draft multi-year reauthorization bill, but the House Ways and Means Committee needed to develop the financing portion of the bill.  House Ways and Means Committee action was complicated by the challenges of its chairman, Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., who is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee. 

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee earlier passed an 18-month extension of SAFETEA-LU and was expected to continue to push for the extension. While NSSGA and its TCC allies have supported full reauthorization, the House most likely was headed toward agreement on a shorter extension, with the issue being resolved in conference.