House GOP, facing May 31 deadline, plans 2-month extension of highway funds

House Republicans have introduced a two-month extension of the federal highway and mass transit program, barely two weeks before it expires.

Republicans from both chambers say they believe Congress will approve the measure next week.

Lawmakers are scheduled to leave the capital at the end of next week for a Memorial Day recess. Without an extension, officials worry that federal cash infusions to projects around the country would end just as the summer construction season begins.

Officials have long wanted to craft a long-term extension of the program, but they've been unable to agree on how to pay for it. As a result, Congress has repeatedly renewed it for shorter periods.

Republicans say the latest extension will give lawmakers time to craft a longer-term bill.