Deal Will Increase Highway Spending

Senate leaders from both parties struck a deal Monday to increase highway spending to $173 billion over the next six years, a more than 40 percent jump over previous years.

The deal, which was made under pressure from state governors, industry lobbyists and other senators, clears the way for passage of a new highway bill by the full Senate this month and enhances the prospects for a compromise with the House.

The House leadership has supported spending in the same range as Monday’s Senate deal. However, influential House members and some Senators have pushed for even more transportation spending.