Lawmaker Says Deal Reached to Avert FAA Shutdown

WASHINGTON – A key Republican lawmaker says House and Senate leaders have reached a deal that averts a looming shutdown of federal highway and aviation programs.

Representative John Mica of Florida, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, says the agreement clears the way for passage next week of a single bill that extends operating authority for the Federal Aviation Administration through the end of January and highway and transit assistance programs through the end of March.

Mica says Republicans have agreed not to include any spending cuts or contentious policy provisions in the bill.

He indicated that Senate Democrats had also made concessions, but he declined to elaborate.