Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has proposed a measure that calls for $90 billion and includes less funding for public works construction. A procedural vote on Reid’s version is scheduled for Feb. 22. The latest extension for SAFETEA-LU expires on Feb. 28.
Reid’s bill would extend the Highway Trust Fund through December 2010 and will offer a $19.5 billion fix to be pulled from the General Fund. It also will reverse the controversial $8.7 billion rescission of unobligated highway contract authority for state DOTs. However, Reid’s measure does not include any new money for public works projects, while the House bill, which was passed last December, contains $47 billion in additional spending on highways and other infrastructure programs.
The Senate, however, is planning on proposing more jobs bills in the near future.
