Congress Passes Clean 90-day SAFETEA-LU Extension

The House and Senate on Thursday approved HR 4281, a clean 90-day extension of the current surface transportation authorization, known as SAFETEA-LU, averting a potential shutdown of the federal surface transportation program. The measure, which passed the House 266-158, was the 9th extension of the current authorization. The Senate approved the measure by unanimous consent.

“Congress is to be commended today for reaching agreement on an extension of surface transportation legislation that will keep the nation’s highway and transit programs running for another 90 days,” said John Horsley, AASHTO executive director. “The clock has been reset and we are optimistic that the House and Senate will use the time available to settle on a new, long-term reauthorization. Passing such a bill will remove the uncertainty that is already causing a number of state departments of transportation to delay billions of dollars worth of highway projects that would otherwise create hundreds of thousands of American jobs.”

Last month the Senate passed a two-year surface transportation bill, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21), with a 74-22 vote. House Republican leadership resisted attempts throughout the week to bring the Senate bill forward in the House, despite pressure by Senate Democrats and the Administration. House leaders have said they will likely re-consider a five-year bill once the House returns from Easter recess next month (see March 23 AASHTO Journal story).