The House has voted to continue funding most federal programs at their 2002 levels through Jan. 11, thus putting off action on the 2003 appropriations bills until the new, Republican-controlled Congress begins. The House approved the continuing resolution on Nov. 13, by a 270-143 vote. The Senate was expected to follow suit.
The latest CR requires that federal highway funds be distributed at their 2002 level of $31.8 billion, on a pro rated basis. Construction groups had supported that figure.