Thomas E. Petri: “House and Senate negotiators are meeting daily and making great progress in trying to finalize a multi-year…”

“House and Senate negotiators are meeting daily and making great progress in trying to finalize a multi-year reauthorization bill. It is accurate to say that we are closer to completing a conference report than we have ever been in the past. But these are complicated issues and as we work through all the difficult questions, we need additional time to complete policy issues and resolve the distribution of funds to the States. This is an intricate puzzle that must be put together to ensure all the moving pieces fit and work together in a coherent way. I know Members may be impatient and I join them in that sentiment. But I can assure Members that we are meeting and working every day. We are trying to meet the overwhelming demands placed on this program and develop a conference report that can be passed by both bodies. To that end, I urge support for H.R. 3104, which will extend our highway, transit and safety programs through July 19. Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support the 19-day extension of the surface transportation bill. This is our ninth time extending our Nation's transportation bill. Our transportation bill is over 18 months, late. Chairman Young and Ranking Member Oberstar, I applaud your good faith efforts to complete negotiations on a balanced conference report by the July 4th recess. Unfortunately, it was not to be.…”