Photo: Andrew Breeden
The Senate approved legislation Thursday to temporarily extend funding for airport and highway renewal projects, averting a shutdown.
By a 92-6 vote, the Senate extended the operating authority of the Federal Aviation Administration through January. Transportation Department highway and transit programs through March.
The House approved the measure Tuesday by voice vote.
According to Reuters, the government can continue collecting taxes on airline tickets and gasoline to fund trust fund accounts that pay for infrastructure improvement projects. During an FAA shutdown in July, airline ticket taxes were not collected.
This is the 22nd short-term extension of the FAA’s operating authority since 2007. Congress has been unable to agree on a long-term funding bill for the agency.
Previous FAA and transportation coverage:
- House Passes Short-Term Bill For FAA, Highway Programs
- Congress Readies Deal for FAA Short-Term Extension
- Transportation Program Shutdown a Possibility
