Congress passes 3-month highway-funding extension

By |  July 30, 2015

Congress has passed another short-term highway-funding patch and set the table for a long-term bill to be negotiated this fall – after nearly six years without one.

Today, the Senate approved an $8 billion extension of federal transportation funding, passed earlier this week by the House of Representatives, keeping the program going until Oct. 29. The Hill reports that President Obama, who has advocated for long-term extension of highway funding, is expected to sign the patch to prevent an interruption in funding during the busy summer construction season.

Earlier in the day, the Senate passed a long-term bill that was negotiated by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.). Though a six-year bill, it technically only outlines funding for three years. It is expected the bill will serve as a starting point for negotiations with the House on a long-term bill once Congress returns from its August recess.

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) welcomed the Senate’s approval of a long-term bill.

“We were glad to see progress made toward a long-term investment in our country’s infrastructure,” says Mike Johnson, NSSGA president and CEO. “Sens. McConnell, Inhofe and Boxer demonstrated that a multi-year, well-funded and bipartisan bill is possible and we are grateful for their effort.”

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About the Author:

Darren Constantino is an editor of Pit & Quarry magazine. He can be reached at dconstantino@northcoastmedia.net.

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