House GOP looks to move short-term highway extension, not Senate bill

House Republicans on Wednesday indicated that they would move a bill extending federal transportation authorization for three months, giving them more time to work on a longer-term extension.

"Tomorrow, I will introduce a short-term extension through June 30 to ensure continuity of current programs while I and House Republicans continue to work toward a responsible transportation bill that provides long-term certainty, reduces the size of government, eliminates earmarks and is fully paid for," House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John Mica (R-Fla.) said.

"We continue to believe that linking energy and infrastructure is the responsible thing to do in order to meet our long-term needs."

Mica's announcement indicates that Republicans need more time to work out their differences on how to approach a long-term authorization bill after a five-year plan from GOP leadership was criticized as too expensive. That plan would have spent $260 billion over its duration.

The Senate last week approved a two-year, $109 billion plan by a 74-22 vote. Senators have called on House Republicans to approve that version.

Current authority for federal highway programs expires at the end of this month, which gives Republicans until the end of next week to approve the short-term extension and send it to the Senate.