North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven (R) says he’s optimistic a long term highway bill will pass by the end of the year.
Hoeven says the Senate has already passed a bill – and passed a 90 day extension of the existing highway funding. That extension expires at the end of the week. Now Hoeven says the House is moving on the issue.
"It may require an extension of a few weeks," said Hoeven. "But it looks like the House will get a bill passed, and we can get it in conference and get it done this year."
Hoeven says there needs to be a long term highway bill -- and it needs to be done this year.
Hoeven says the Senate version of the highway bill is a six year bill. He says it’s good for North Dakota.
"$1.6 billion more than we've ever received," said Hoeven. "We need a long term bill so we can do those multi-year projects."
Hoeven says the Senate version does not raise taxes. He says it pays for the bill through spending reductions in other areas.
