As expected, a partisan debate over how to proceed toward a House-Senate conference on the federal highway/transit program reauthorization bills had stymied Senate consideration of a two-month program extension bill passed Wednesday by the House.
Sen. Kit Bond (R-Mo.) has a "hold" on Senate consideration of the extension measure, trying to force the Senate Democratic leadership to agree to appoint conferees to reconcile the differences between the House and Senate six-year highway bills. The Democrats say they will not allow the appointment of conferees until they are assured an active participation in all major decisions regarding the final bill.
It is unclear if the Senate will act on the two-month extension before it adjourns for the week. The current short-term extension of the highway and transit programs expires today.
