Now that Senate leaders have backed off an 18 month temporary extension of the federal Highway Trust Fund, House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman James Oberstar is digging in his heels and insisting on a much shorter two month extension, with permanent reauthorization to be enacted before the end of this year. Oberstar has been discussing the temporary fix with Senate Environment and Public Works ranking member James Inhofe, and describes their meeting as a “nice conversation,” but still wants to stick with a two month temporary extension bill he plans to bring to the House floor this week. “The planets are in motion,” Oberstar remarked.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid plans to bring a bill for a temporary six month extension to the Senate floor, also this week. Soothsayers predict a conference report calling for extending present funding levels by four months.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid plans to bring a bill for a temporary six month extension to the Senate floor, also this week. Soothsayers predict a conference report calling for extending present funding levels by four months.
