SAFETEA-LU Set to Expire Soon with Extensions Looming

Earlier this week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a three-month extension of SAFETEA-LU, the current transportation authorization legislation that is set to expire on Sept. 30. House Democrats, including transportation committee chairman Jim Oberstar (D-MN) hope to pass new legislation by the end of the year. The Senate has not yet acted, but it seems to favor a much longer 18-month extension, which is also what the White House is calling for, pushing a new deal into 2011.