New highway bill could be passed by June 30 deadline

Lawmakers in Washington appear to be on the verge of reaching a compromise regarding a new multiyear highway bill.

According to The Hill, Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) is encouraged by the progression over the last few days, saying Congress was “on the precipice of victory.” The current funding extension expires on June 30, and if both the House and Senate do not reach an agreement by the end of the day on Wednesday, June 27, another extension was imminent.

Inhofe refused to comment on whether a House provision dealing with the Keystone XL oil pipeline was removed from the final bill, but a Senate Democratic aid is saying such an action was taken, which could mean a deal could be struck and a new bill passed before the July 4 recess.