Transportation bill fails to pass before congressional recess

Several senators blocked a proposed $54 billion measure to fund highways and other 2014 transportation projects, and House of Representatives members canceled a vote on a lesser $44 billion proposal before Congress embarked on its five-week summer recess.

Bloomberg News reports Senate Republicans rejected the $54 billion bill because it exceeded spending limits previously agreed to by both Democrats and Republicans. House Republicans called off a vote on the $44 billion measure because they likely did not have the support needed to pass it.

Congress returns in September, but Rep. Hal Rogers (R-Ky.) said in a statement that passing a transportation bill then is bleak at best. House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) added that Congress will have to extend current federal funding for a short period starting Oct. 1 when the government’s next fiscal year begins.