Senate transpo bill expected to clear another hurdle

The two-year transportation bill pushed by the Senate could be one step closer to a Congressional showdown if it receives enough votes necessary for cloture on Feb. 9.

The Hill is reporting that the $80 billion measure should receive the necessary approval, setting up a final vote on the bill in the Senate next week.

“Today’s progress is the culmination of the bipartisan efforts we have already seen in the Banking and Environment and Public Works committees, and I look forward to these efforts continuing on both sides of the aisle as we move forward,” said Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) in a statement.

Lawmakers filled a $9.6 billion gap in funding by closing tax loopholes.

The House also is expected to vote on its five-year, $260 billion transportation bill next week, but early indicators show it may have difficulty receiving enough support. When the bill was unveiled, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said it was the worst transportation bill in decades.