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.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Wind Energy on the Rise Despite Federal Policy Reversal
The Trump administration is revoking federal support for renewable energy, but demand for new projects continues unabated.
Passengers Flock to Caltrain After Electrification
The new electric trains are running faster and more reliably, leading to strong ridership growth on the Bay Area rail system.
Texas Churches Rally Behind ‘Yes in God’s Back Yard’ Legislation
Religious leaders want the state to reduce zoning regulations to streamline leasing church-owned land to housing developers.
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.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service