Congress passes bill to keep highway aid flowing

WASHINGTON — Congress has passed a stopgap three-month bill to keep federal highway and transit aid flowing and avoid a widespread shutdown of construction projects.

The House acted first, passing the extension on a mostly party-line vote after Republicans rejected Democratic entreaties to take a comprehensive overhaul of transportation programs.

The Senate approved the House's extension by a voice vote a few hours later despite objections from some Democrats.

President Barack Obama's signature is required by Saturday, when the government's authority to spend money on transportation programs expires.