Bush Signs Highway Bill Extension

President Bush signed the eighth extension of the highway bill on July 1, giving congressional negotiators until July 19 to resolve differences on a new multiyear spending plan.

The extension, the second in 2005, was introduced by Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) on June 29 and passed by both the House and Senate on June 30.

The previous extension, which allowed for withdrawals from the Highway Trust Fund for transportation construction and safety programs, expired on June 30.

The last multiyear spending packaged expired in September 2003.

House and Senate negotiators have been working on a compromise highway measure since late May. The House passed a $283.9 billion bill that has been endorsed by the White House, while the Senate passed a $295 billion bill that drew a veto threat from the administration.

The two sides are also debating the issues of tolling interstate highways, mandatory fuel surcharges, intermodal chassis safety and hours of service. The bills contain various industry-specific hours of service exemptions, but do not codify the existing rules.