House passes short-term highay funding bill / Dems resist pension raid / Cruz threatens filibuster

HOUSE PASSES SHORT-TERM TRANSPORTATION BILL

House passes bill keeping highway trust fund alive for five months.

USA Today:
“The five-month patch through Dec. 18 passed 312-119. Many Democrats opposed the GOP bill in part because they want a long-term measure and also because it did not include any language to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank … Senate Republicans, meanwhile, are trying to come up with a counter measure, an $80 billion bill that would provide funds for several years. The Senate bill is also expected to include a provision to renew the Export-Import Bank…”

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2015/07/15/house-passes-highway-bill/30199405/


Sen. Jim Inhofe predicts Senate will pass longer-term measure.

The Hill:
“He added that based on conversations he’s had with House lawmakers, he believes they’ll ‘be very excited over there that we’re going to have, and have the funding for, a six-year bill.'”

http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/248124-goper-predicts-quick-passage-for-long-term-highway-bill


Senate Dems resist paying for highways with pension cuts.

Politico:
“Senate negotiators are mulling about a dozen different potential ways to pay for a long-term bill that, if taken together, could provide nearly $80 billion — enough to keep highway projects running for at least five years. But the biggest revenue raiser — a change to the federal employee retirement plan that would bring in about $30 billion — is a nonstarter for Democrats … Taking the retirement pay-for out of the equation [leaves] a good chunk of money and could fund at least a three-year bill…”

http://www.politico.com/story/2015/07/congress-speeds-toward-highway-cliff-120178.html?hp=t4_r


Sen. Ted Cruz threatens filibuster over inclusion of Ex-Im.

The Hill:
“‘I’m willing to use any and all procedural tools to stop this corporate welfare and this corruption from being propagated,’ Cruz said…”

http://thehill.com/policy/transportation/248015-cruz-wont-rule-out-filibuster-of-highway-bill