House passes deal on highways, student loans in 373-52 vote

This House vote was the big hurdle delaying approval of 3 million construction jobs. Now all that remains in the way is an easy Senate vote and President Obama's signature. But this appears to be the last positive action we can expect from Congress until after the November elections.

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From http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/235621-house-passes-highway-student-loan-flood-insurance-bill

"House passes deal on highways, student loans in 373-52 vote
By Pete Kasperowicz - 06/29/12 01:22 PM ET

The House on Friday approved legislation that will extend federal highway programs through 2014, a low interest rate on student loans for one year, and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for five years.

Members voted 373-52 in favor of the bill, which was supported by every voting Democrat, while 52 Republicans opposed it.

Leaders in the House and Senate negotiated the giant legislative package, leaving no doubt that it would have enough support to pass. The Senate is expected to approve the measure Friday afternoon.

The bill will likely be the last major piece of legislation passed by Congress until after the November elections.

Congress faced a weekend deadline for extending the highway and student loan provisions. The rates for federally backed student loans were set to double from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent, and transportation funding was due to expire.

The transportation bill was the most contested part of the package. Prominent conservative groups urged Republicans to vote against it, while the U.S. Chamber of Congress pushed for passage...."