House votes to provide money for highways, transit

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has voted to shore up federal highway aid and veterans’ health care just before heading out of town for Congress’ August recess.

The bill passed Wednesday by a vote of 385-34. It would extend spending authority for transportation programs through Oct. 29, and replenish the federal Highway Trust Fund with $8 billion.

The Senate plans to take up the House bill before a midnight Friday deadline, when authority for the Transportation Department to process aid payments to states will expire.

This is the 34th short-term transportation funding extension since 2009.