Congress passes 3-month bill to keep highway aid flowing to states 1 day ahead of deadline

Congress has passed a three-month bill to keep highway and transit money flowing to states, one day before the deadline for a cutoff of funds.

The Senate has approved the bill on a 91 to 4 vote. The House passed the bill Wednesday.

The bill extends the government's authority to process aid payments to states through Oct. 29. The bill also provides $8 billion to shore up the federal Highway Trust Fund through mid-December.

Without a cash infusion, the balance in the trust fund is forecast to drop below the $4 billion cushion required to prevent delays or cutbacks in aid payments.

The Senate also passed a sweeping, long-term transportation bill earlier in the day. The House is working on its own long-term bill.