Senate sends highway bill speeding to the White House

The Senate passed a highway authorization bill by unanimous consent Thursday afternoon.

The bill, which ensures federal transportation spending for the rest of Fiscal Year 2011 at FY 2010 levels, now goes to the White House for the president's signature.

The bill was overwhelmingly approved by the House on Wednesday afternoon, 421-4.

Meanwhile, the Patent Reform Act, the major issue before the Senate this week, continues to languish as senators try to add amendments.

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who is floor manager for the bill, said Monday he hoped the Senate would send the bill to the House by Wednesday. Late Thursday afternoon, Leahy conceded that he now hoped to pass the bill by "this same time next week."

There will be no more roll-call votes on Thursday. The next roll-call vote will occur on Monday at 5:30 p.m.