HR 2353 Passed in House

As expected HR 2353, the two-month extension of Highway Fund spending until July 31^st passed by a largely bipartisan vote of 387 to 35. Earlier in the day a procedural move was made by Rep. Etsy (D,CT) to try to add an amendment requiring funding for positive train control for passenger rail. It was subsequently defeated on a straight party line vote of 182 to 241.

The bill will go to the Senate where it will very likely pass under the standard ‘without objection’ process. News reports have noted that the President has agreed to sign the bill when it gets to his desk. If the bill does not get passed in the Senate this week the State transportation projects funded by the Highway Fund will stop receiving funds on June 1^st.