Senate Passes $109 Billion Transportation Bill
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ABC News(WASHINGTON) — After five weeks of work the Senate has passed a two-year, $109 billion transportation bill. The vote was 74-22, called at 12:55 pm.
The current federal highway funding is set to expire on March 31. The bill passed in the Senate provides a two-year extension of funds to improve highway and bridge safety and aid in construction projects that will help “maintain or create” 2.8 million jobs in the country, senators say.
The bill now goes to the House for final passage, although it is not yet clear if the House will take up the Senate-passed legislation or act on a similar version.
Senators from both parties admitted that the one area in which the bill falls short is the issue of long-term funding, which was not resolved. The bill does not resolve how to keep the federal Highway Trust Fund solvent beyond next year.
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