The outlook isn't bright for a quick deal on a new, multiyear aviation bill, because the Senate and House haven't bridged a wide gap on funding levels for airport construction grants. They also have been unable to resolve a disagreement on a labor issue.
Negotiators, led by Senate commerce committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John Mica (R-Fla.), have been working to settle differences between the long-term Federal Aviation Administration authorizations the two chambers passed this year.