Rather than take up the Highway Bill passed by the Senate two weeks ago, the House today passed a 90-day extension of SAFETEA-LU, the ninth extension of transportation legislation since 2009, reports Todd Zwillich.
The House bill, which keeps funding at the same levels as in the current authorization, was approved by a 266 to 158 margin, with 10 Republicans voting against the measure and 37 Democrats voting for it. The bill was later approved by voice vote in the Senate, averting a shutdown looming this weekend.
Opinions are divided as to who has the upper hand in future negotiations, as the partisan rancor will only increase as the election season draws near.
According to Zwillich, "Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) told reporters Thursday that leaders were putting 'final touches' on a GOP bill, complete with controversial energy production provisions that could include expanding oil drilling and fossil fuel exploration on federal lands including the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska." However, it's important to note that in the months they've been working on it, the GOP has been unable to cobble together a bill that could pass their own ranks in the House.
"Senate Democrats, meanwhile, while frustrated over the House Republicans' refusal to take up their bill, Thursday expressed confidence that they have the upper hand on the speaker as he continues to hunt for a Highway Bill that can get enough Republicans to pass the House," notes Zwillich.
FULL STORY: SHUTDOWN AVERTED: House Passes 90-Day Transpo Extension, Senate Follows Suit
Senate Transportation Saga Continues
A much anticipated cloture vote on the Senate's proposed two-year transportation bill once again failed to win enough votes on Tuesday. Better news may be on the horizon however, reports Ed O'Keefe.
Transportation Bills Going Nowhere Fast
With current federal transportation policy expiring on March 31, House and Senate recesses this week leave only 16 legislative days to craft some sort of transportation deal.
Transportation Bill Clears House Committee
A five-year transportation bill has advanced in the House, but it has a long way to go before Americans should expect to see a final federal transportation policy emerge from Congress.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
Florida Seniors Face Rising Homelessness Risk
High housing costs are pushing more seniors, many of them on a fixed income, into homelessness.
Massachusetts Budget Helps Close MBTA Budget Gap
The budget signed by Gov. Maura Healey includes $470 million in MBTA funding for the next fiscal year.
Milwaukee Launches Vision Zero Plan
Seven years after the city signed its Complete Streets Policy, the city is doubling down on its efforts to eliminate traffic deaths.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont