Senate Clears Highway Funding Extension for Obama

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John Sommers II for TT

The Senate on Nov. 19 easily cleared for President Obama’s signature a short-term funding fix for highway programs through Dec. 4.

The extension, approved by a voice vote, would keep the Highway Trust Fund operating for two more weeks to afford transportation leaders the additional time to finalize a multiyear highway bill.

The long-term highway bill’s top negotiators say they plan to unveil a conference report on Nov. 30 that reflects the transportation priorities of the House and the Senate. They also indicated the latest funding extension would be the last short-term patch Congress would approve this year.

The patch marks the 36th time since 2009 Congress has moved on a short-term funding fix for highways.