Senate authorizes highway funding extension

A five-month extension of federal highway and mass transit construction programs passed the United States Senate without amendment by unanimous consent September 26. The extension prevented a shutdown of the Federal Highway Administration and construction projects around the country after the two houses of Congress could not agree on a long-term program. The House had approved the extension September 24.

A comprehensive TEA-21 reauthorization plan is being advanced by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and includes $375 billion over six years, according to information from the Associated General Contractors of America, which feared an extension delay would mean job losses for its members.