Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The House voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to restore $4.4 billion in federal highway money that President Bush left out of his proposed budget.
The 410-5 margin showed the level of support among lawmakers for the higher allocation before a future vote on the supplemental spending bill, which includes the $4.4 billion.
Overall, the House would spend at least $27.7 billion rather than the $23.3 billion Bush proposed. The current budget earmarks $31.8 billion.
The bill now goes to the Senate, where 74 of the 100 senators have co-sponsored similar legislation.
Bush’s proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1 provided $8.6 billion less for highways than originally projected, which reflected a decline in federal gasoline tax collections. Although the House is not restoring the full amount, road construction should still be able to continue as planned because projects traditionally are paid for over several years, industry officials have said.
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