Congress adjourns with no stimulus package

Oct. 8, 2008

The 110th Congress adjourned on Oct. 3 after having completed action on the Economic Rescue Plan. In the final week of the session attempts to pass economic stimulus legislation, however, were unsuccessful. Senate leadership left open the possibility of returning for a "lame duck" session following the elections but the House did not. The House passed an economic stimulus bill (264-158) which included $12.8 billion for the federal-aid highway program; $3.6 billion for transit; and $600 million for airport capital improvement projects.

The 110th Congress adjourned on Oct. 3 after having completed action on the Economic Rescue Plan. In the final week of the session attempts to pass economic stimulus legislation, however, were unsuccessful. Senate leadership left open the possibility of returning for a "lame duck" session following the elections but the House did not. The House passed an economic stimulus bill (264-158) which included $12.8 billion for the federal-aid highway program; $3.6 billion for transit; and $600 million for airport capital improvement projects. The Senate bill, which included $8 billion for the highway program; $2 billion for transit; and $400 million for airport capital improvement projects failed on a procedural vote (52-42).

Congress also failed to enact an appropriations bill to fund the Department of Transportation for FY 2009. Therefore, DOT programs were included in a continuing resolution which provides funding at the 2008 level through March 6, 2009. Congress will need to take additional action before March 6 to fund DOT programs for the remainder of FY 2009.

Sponsored Recommendations

The Science Behind Sustainable Concrete Sealing Solutions

Extend the lifespan and durability of any concrete. PoreShield is a USDA BioPreferred product and is approved for residential, commercial, and industrial use. It works great above...

Champion Flame Shield® Phenolic Conduit Guide

Learn how Champion Flame Shield® Provides a Safe Solution in Fire Sensitive Applications

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

See how fiberglass conduit stacks up to the competition in crucial areas like weight, corrosion resistance and installation cost.

Proven Concrete Protection That’s Safe & Sustainable

Real-life DOT field tests and university researchers have found that PoreShieldTM lasts for 10+ years and extends the life of concrete.