ROADS/BRIDGES: House, Senate content with two-month funding extension

The House and Senate appear ready to work up a two-month extension of MAP-21. The measure is expected to be part of the next House Rules Committee hearing on May 18, and the Senate will try and fast track its proposal.

Republicans in the House originally wanted an extension that would last until the end of the year, but failed to come up with a way to generate the necessary $10 billion to cover such a move. The Highway Trust Fund (HTF) has enough money to cover infrastructure projects through July.

“Congress must use the next two months to develop a viable way to fund a multiyear extension of the HTF; it would be a squandered opportunity if this patch only yielded another short-term extension at the end of July,” said AEM Vice President Nick Yaksich.

“We urge members of Congress from both parties and the Obama administration to renew negotiations toward a long-term solution for the Highway Trust Fund, and produce their respective ideas for the public well before the next deadline on July 31.”