Congress Votes to Extend Federal Funds for Highways Through July
A worker operates a Caterpillar Inc. 336D hydraulic excavator during construction on Route 7 near Falls Church, Virginia, U.S., on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015. The U.S. Highway Trust Fund is running out of money amid congressional opposition to raising the 18.4-cents-a-gallon tax on gasoline, a levy last increased in 1993, forcing the government to keep money flowing with short-term steps.
Photographer: Bloomberg/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesThe U.S. Congress voted to extend federal funds for highways and mass-transit programs through July while lawmakers work on a longer-term financing plan.
The Senate’s voice vote early Saturday followed House passage Tuesday of the measure, which will go to President Barack Obama for his signature. The Highway Trust Fund’s current authority to reimburse states for transportation spending is set to expire May 31, at the start of the summer construction season.