The Department of Transportation returned to work this morning as the Highway Trust Fund has been extended another 30 days, according to the Journal of Commerce. Four days after Sen. Jim Bunning, R-Ky., launched a one-person filibuster campaign to block a temporary jobs and transportation measure and forced a two-day shutdown of DOT highway programs, he dropped his objections Tuesday night. The Senate then passed legislation to resume funding for highway projects under the 30-day extension and extended benefits and health insurance subsidies to the unemployed.
Bunning had insisted that any legislation include ways to pay for it and not add to the federal budget deficit. According to the Journal of Commerce, he finally relented under intense pressure from Democrats and declining support among Republicans. The bill passed on a 78-19 vote; President Obama is expected to sign the bill.
For the complete story, go to the Journal of Commerce's website.
Lift & Access is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
