Key Senate committee leaders Tuesday, Nov. 17, urged the full Senate to consider a six-month extension of the federal highway program that would provide funding until June 2010.
Seven chairmen and ranking minority members of the Senate Environment and Public Works, Commerce, Banking and Finance committees sent a letter to Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) seeking action. They requested Senate leadership to move for debate on an extension and a final vote.
When the federal highway bill expired Sept. 30, funding was extended through two short-term measures that provide funds for several federal programs. That funding is due to run out Dec. 18.
Senate leaders including Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and James Inhofe (R-Okla.) of the Environment and Public Works Committee had favored an 18-month extension, as did the Obama administration. House Democrats have been supporting a bill for a multi-year extension.
