House passes transportation surface bill short-term extension

The U.S. House of Representatives approved an extension to continue programs for transportation, including transit programs. H.R. 2887, introduced in the House by Transportation Committee Chairman John Mica (R-FL), Transportation Committee Ranking Member Nick Rahall (D-WV), Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Tom Petri (R-WI), Highways and Transit Subcommittee Chairman John Duncan, Jr. (R-TN) and Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI), Ways and Means Ranking Member Sander Levin (D-MI) and Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), unanimously passed the House. "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." 
H.R. 2887 authorizes FAA programs through January 31, 2012 at current funding levels. The current extension authorizing FAA programs expires at the end of the week. The legislation also authorizes federal highway, transit and highway safety programs through March 31, 2012 at current funding levels. The current extension authorizing highway, transit and highway safety programs expires at the end of September.