House bill would keep highway funding level in FY 2016

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a fiscal 2016 spending bill to fund transportation and housing projects. The Hill reports that the House passed the $55.3 billion legislation by a close 216-210 vote, with all but three Democrats voting against and all but 31 Republicans voting in favor.

The bill passed, says The Hill, despite opposition to the measure by conservative group Heritage Action, which argued the bill contained too much funding for infrastructure projects.

The group says the bill assumes a highway authorization extension with funding for fiscal year 2016 at current levels — too high in its opinion. The White House has threatened to veto the legislation because of insufficient funding levels.