Reid says Senate could pass aviation bill Thursday

The Senate is set to clear the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said Wednesday in his floor speech.

The reauthorization bill has been pending for two-and-a-half weeks.

Technically, under Senate rules, the bill still requires about 60 hours of debate, but Senate leadership could come to an agreement that would expedite the process.

It is still unclear how an argument over adding long-distance flight slots at a Washington, D.C., airport, which has been holding up the bill, will be resolved. Reid indicated earlier in the week that senators were working behind the scenes to come to an agreement.

The Senate began legislative debate on the FAA authorization bill at 11 a.m. Votes on further amendments are expected throughout the day.