The House today passed a 90-day extension of the nation’s federal transportation program (H.R. 4348) by a vote of 293-197. This legislation was less about extending the program and more about serving as vehicle to get to conference with the Senate. The Senate has passed a complete reauthorization bill of its own (S. 1813), but because issues surrounding tax policy must originate in the House, there needs to be a bill to get the process started.

By passing what is essentially a shell of a transportation bill – the only policy changes in the bill relate to construction of the Keystone pipeline and the RESTORE Act regarding the Gulf Coast states in addition to amendments adopted regarding the use of coal ash, the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, and environmental streamlining – the House is putting itself at a severe procedural disadvantage in negotiations with the Senate over a final bill. Several former staffers have expressed the opinion that the Senate will not shy away from pressing this advantage to its fullest extent. That fact, along with the bi-partisan nature of the vote in the Senate (74-22) and general support for the Senate bill among House Democrats makes it likely that if a bill is to pass this year (which is still a big IF) it will likely lean heavily toward the Senate bill.

Skepticism still remains regarding whether this short term extension legislation will result in a conference between the chambers on a long-term reauthorization. If such a conference does occur, however, it will be fascinating to see what the House is able to wrangle out of the Senate. More to come in the days ahead.