House approves stopgap highway bill

House approves stopgap highway bill    The U.S. House of Representatives extended funding for surface transportation programs an extra four months under the current formula.
   Congress is working on a multiyear highway authorization bill, but has been stymied over how to pay for a measure to replace the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). The Bush administration is insisting that the six-year spending plan not go above $256 billion. Rep. Don Young, the influential chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, is seeking $375 billion for infrastructure projects to relieve congestion and create jobs.
   The legislation will continue funding for highway construction, safety, motor carrier and surface transportation research programs at levels approved in the fiscal year 2004 budget resolution. Congress extended TEA-21 funding by five months, until Feb. 29, when time ran out to reach agreement on 2004 appropriations bills. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
   Young said it critical to pass the temporary spending bill. 'If we don't pass this bill and send it to the president before Feb. 29, four Department of Transportation agencies will close their doors and furlough their employees: the Federal Highway Administration; Federal Transit Administration; National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.'