Transportation bill formally passes Congress, awaits president’s signature

Late Friday afternoon, before formally heading out on break, both houses of Congress passed the transportation bill that was initially agreed to on Thursday. The House passed MAP-21 373-52 while the Senate passed it 74-19.

“This is a good, bipartisan bill that will create jobs, strengthen our transportation system and grow our economy,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.  “It builds on our aggressive safety efforts, including our fight against distracted driving and our push to improve transit and motor carrier safety.  The bill also provides states and communities with two years of steady funding to build the roads, bridges and transit systems they need.  We look forward to working with Congress, states and local communities to put this bill to work quickly and effectively.”

Technically, Congress passed the 10th extension of the bill on Friday – a one-week extension. The extension was needed because of Congressional rules that made it impossible to get the 600-page plus bill onto President Obama’s desk for his signature before funding ran out on Saturday. Obama will sign MAP-21 when it formally reaches his desk this week.

For reaction to the bill, click here.