Representative John Mica (R-Fla.), chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), chair of the Environment and Public Works Committee, held a series of meetings aimed at finalizing an agreement and avoiding another short term extension. The meetings are expected to continue over the weekend.

Several large policy issues remain before the committee including finding agreement on how to finance legislation and whether or not to include any provisions on the Keystone XL pipeline. Also under discussion are several issues of importance of cities including a set aside for transportation enhancements, the MPO threshold, and NEPA streamlining provisions. A new letter was submitted on Thursday outlining the League’s positions on these issues.   

House-Senate conference negotiations formally began between the 47 conferees on May 8.