House extends surface transportation bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House voice voted an extension of funding for federal highway funds for six months and the FAA for four months, according to MSNBC.

While the vote was a result of a bipartisan agreement between Senate and House leaders, Chairman of the House Transportation Committee John Mica (R-FL) said it will be the last temporary extension he will support and that a full four-year funding bill needs to be put into place after this one expires.

"While this legislation signifies a bipartisan, bicameral agreement to move forward, it must not be just a temporary band-aid for our important aviation, highway, rail and safety programs and for job creation," Mica said. "To build our nation's infrastructure and put people to work, we need long-term authorizations of these programs. Unfortunately, this bill is the 22nd FAA extension and the 8th surface transportation extension. Congress has delayed passing a long-term FAA bill for over four years, and a surface transportation bill for two years. This action represents a last chance to roll up our sleeves and get transportation projects in America moving again."

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