House to pass standalone highway bill as infrastructure and reconciliation talks continue

On Friday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) announced that the House will pass a bill temporarily re-authorizing the surface transportation programs temporarily shut down by the expiration of the Highway Trust Fund this week, while talks continue on passing the bipartisan infrastructure bill and the reconciliation plan known as the "Build Back Better Act."

"While great progress has been made in the negotiations to develop a House, Senate and White House agreement on the Build Back Better Act, more time is needed to complete the task," said Pelosi in a written statement. "Our priority to create jobs in the health care, family and climate agendas is a shared value. Our Chairs are still working for clarity and consensus. Clearly, the Bipartisan Infrastructure bill will pass once we have agreement on the reconciliation bill. Tonight, we will pass a critical 30-day extension of the surface transportation authorization. More updates to come."

This comes one day after Congress passed a bill to keep the government funded through December 3, averting a government shutdown that would have begun this week. Congress also needs to raise the debt ceiling by mid-October to avoid a first-of-its-kind credit default by the United States government. Republicans are currently blocking such a measure.