The reauthorization of TEA 21 remains problematic, according to the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA). Declared a "must-pass" bill in 2003 (when the program originally expired) the reauthorization process has deteriorated into a series of short-term extensions. Some congressional advocates remain optimistic that a comprehensive, six-year bill can become law by Oct. 1, while an increasingly vocal group says they would rather wait until after the election, or even next year, to pass a well-funded measure. The main problem with the reauthorization (H.R. 3550), says NSSGA, concerns the level of funding. The Bush administration insists on 256 billion dollars over six years and threatens to veto any bill providing more funding. The House passed a 284-billion dollars measure while the Senate continues to stick to its 318 billion dollars figure.
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