WASHINGTON -- House Republicans announced plans Tuesday for a quick vote on a three-month highway spending extension, as Congress stares down a deadline to act or see states lose money for road projects.
The leadership-driven plan would have the House vote on the legislation today before leaving for a five-week summer recess. The Senate would be forced to follow suit or face a lapse in highway programs.
"I want a long-term highway bill that's fully paid for. And that's been the goal all year. It continues to be the goal," said House Speaker John Boehner. "We've been trying to do this for four years. It's time to get it across the finish line."
The decision comes after the House and Senate clashed over their versions of the highway legislation. The House was pushing a five-month extension that could allow time to craft a longer-term bill paid for with a tax overhaul sought by leaders of both parties. The Senate embraced a six-year bill that is expected to be completed this week, though only three of those years are paid for.
But neither chamber would accept the other's approach, forcing them to consider a short-term extension. Lawmakers in both chambers expressed hope of using the extra time to work on a long-term bill.
"It's frustrating, but the only thing worse than a short-term extension would be to allow funding to run out, so it's the best we can do right now," said Rep. Carlos Curbelo, R-Fla.
"It's going to be a very vigorous fall," said Rep. Matt Salmon, R-Ariz.
Despite the House's announcement, the Senate continued work Tuesday on its longer-term bill even as Republicans said they'd likely have to settle for a short-term solution. It would be the 34th short-term transportation extension passed by Congress since 2009.
"They may jam us on that; I wouldn't be surprised," said Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev. "I'd love to see a six-year highway bill, I think that's good for everybody, but if it takes a three-month to get a six-year, I'll take it."
Work on the Senate's version of the highway bill has been slowed by Republican disagreements over issues including the federal Export-Import Bank, which the Senate voted late Monday to add to the highway bill despite objections from conservatives.
Supporters in the business community say the bank is necessary for U.S. competitiveness, but conservatives say it amounts to corporate welfare.
Authority for federal highway aid payments to states will expire Friday at midnight without action. If Congress doesn't act, the balance in the federal Highway Trust Fund is forecast to drop below a minimum cushion of $4 billion that's necessary to keep aid flowing smoothly to states.
The House's three-month bill also includes $3.4 billion to fill a budget hole that the Department of Veterans Affairs said would force it to close hospitals and clinics nationwide.
Republicans agreed to it as a necessity while criticizing the VA for failing to anticipate the problem.
The House bill does not include the Senate's language reviving the Export-Import Bank, a federal agency that underwrites loans to help foreign customers buy U.S. goods.
The bank expired June 30 amid conservative opposition.
A Section on 07/29/2015