After an almost two-year-long congressional debate, Congress finally agreed July 29 to spending $286.4 billion on a six-year highway bill.
"The Congress is to be commended for passing comprehensive transportation legislation that meets the President's goal of investing record levels in new highway, transit, and safety programs in a fiscally responsible manner," Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta said in a news release after the decision was made. "This bill funds vital new transportation projects, holds the line on gas taxes, and avoid adding to the deficit."
The decision provides spending on highway projects through 2009.