Senators Say New Highway Bill Unlikely Before Election

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hree senators said it was unlikely a new six-year highway and mass transit bill would be passed before the upcoming elections and proposed Congress accept a six-month extension of federal funding at current levels, news services reported.

The proposal, which would provide $17.45 billion in funding over the six months, was from Sen. Kit Bond (R-Mo.) and Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.), United Press International reported. It also has support from Sen. Jim Jeffords (I-Vt.), but House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) opposes the extension, according to UPI.

Since the bill expires last September, Congress has passed five temporary extension, keeping funding at $218 billion. The current extension federal highway funding expires Friday, with transit and safety spending set to expire at the end of the month.

Previously, the Senate approved a $318 billion package, while the House's originally bill came in at $284 billion. However, the White House has recommended $256 billion and threatened to veto any bill that would add to the deficit.

Although a proposal from House leaders would fund the bill at $299 billion, Senate Democrats and some Republicans said anything less than $318 billion was not sufficient, the Associated Press reported.