House passes highway funding extension

The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on an extension of transportation appropriations this week after House members passed the measure Sept. 13.

The voice bill vote approved H.R. 2887, which would include funding through March 31 for the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration and other federal highway, transit and safety programs. It would extend the current level of funding that otherwise would expire this month.

This is eighth extension of surface transportation funding since the omnibus transportation bill expired and the 22nd extension of tax dollars for the Federal Aviation Administration. The House bill would extend FAA appropriations, due to expire Sept. 16, until Jan. 30, but would provide highway safety funding, set to end Sept. 30, until March 31.

Rep. John Mica (R-FL), House transportation committee chairman, introduced the bill Sept. 12, which passed by bipartisan vote.