As transportation reauthorization bill conferees met for their first negotiating session last week, Senate members were reportedly debating the length of another short-term extension of federal highway and highway safety programs.

Federal programs are now operating under the third short-term extension of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, which expired Sept. 30, 2003.

The current extension expires June 30, and some members are skeptical that conferees can wrap up their work in the time remaining before that deadline. Reportedly, Senate Democrats are favoring an extension until July 30, while some Republicans are supporting an extension to the beginning of the next fiscal year, Oct. 1.