Transportation Bill Reauthorization Could Come Soon

"The last authorization expired two years ago and consideration of a new bill was put aside during the campaigns for the 2010 mid-term elections.

Rep. John Mica, chairman of the House transportation committee, is holding meetings across the country on what should be included in the authorization and has said he will likely unveil priorities included in the bill this spring.

LaHood said his recent meetings with Mica and with Senate Democrats Barbara Boxer and Jay Rockefeller prompted his confidence that Congress wants to complete a bill as soon as possible."

LaHood estimates that the bill could be ready for the president to sign by the end of summer.