On Tuesday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood applauded the Senate for extending critical transportation funding that has been held up since last Friday, disrupting work for thousands of federal and transportation workers nationwide.

Kentucky Sen. Jim Bunning's decision to block the legislation last week forced the DOT to furlough nearly 2,000 employees without pay Monday, temporarily shut down highway reimbursements to states worth hundreds of millions of dollars, as well as national anti-drunk driving efforts, and multi-million dollar construction projects across the country.

"I am pleased that the Senate has acted to break its logjam and extend the Highway Trust Fund for another 30 days," said Secretary LaHood. "This means that our valued employees may return to work. It also means that their important work getting the economy back on its feet, ensuring Americans' safety and keeping critical construction projects moving will be able to continue."

Employees returned to work on Wednesday morning.