Although the Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill (H.R. 3288) has passed both houses of Congress, differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill remain unresolved. The Senate has insisted on its amended version of the bill and has called for a conference, which will require the Appropriations Committees of both houses to address conflict over the bill. Because it is nearly finalized, H.R. 3288 may also serve as a year-end omnibus appropriations bill.

Meanwhile, the Senate has failed to reach a decision on an extension of the expired surface transportation programs under SAFETEA-LU. A temporary extension through December 18 has continued funding of these programs, but with pressure on Congress to create jobs, several senators from both sides of the aisle have signed on to a six-month extension plan. These senators have urged that the Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) file cloture on the motion to proceed to the six-month extension. However, such efforts may be in vain, if the health care reform bill takes center stage before the new year.

In addition, Congress may be seeking to put together a second economic stimulus bill with an emphasis on job creation in the coming months that could further delay these two projects.