Senate in bipartisan push to fund highways, bridges and railways

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WASHINGTON U.S. lawmakers announced a bipartisan Senate transportation bill on Tuesday that would provide three years of funding for America's highways, bridges and rail systems, creating the possibility of the first multi-year highway bill in more than decade.

The legislation is expected to dominate Senate deliberations over the next several days as lawmakers work against a July 31 deadline to keep the national Highway Trust Fund from running out of money.

Republicans and Democrats described the agreement as an achievement reached after months of negotiations. Details of the bill were not available, and Democrats quickly threatened to shoot down an initial procedural vote unless Republicans gave them time to review the new legislation in writing.

“Both parties know that a long-term highway bill is in the best interest of our country. So we’ll continue working together to get a good one passed," said Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell. "I’m hopeful we will."

Republican Senator John Thune, chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, said new funding for construction and maintenance would be financed without an increase in the federal gasoline tax.

"Details of the bill were not available, and Democrats quickly threatened to shoot down an initial procedural vote unless Republicans gave them time to review the new legislation in writing.“Both parties know that a long-term highway bill is in the best interest of our country"

The agreement was the clearest sign yet of the Senate's determination to secure long-term infrastructure funding for roads, bridges and railways, after a similar effort in the House of Representatives failed last week. The House instead produced an $8.1 billion plan to fund infrastructure projects, but only through the end of 2015.

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, the chamber's No. 2 Republican, criticized the Senate for finding only three years of funding. He said senators should pursue another short-term bill now and work toward six-year legislation "that you actually pay for."

Meanwhile, Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid said he asked McConnell to delay a 4 p.m. EDT (2000 GMT) procedural vote that would open the transportation debate.

Senator Barbara Boxer of California, who led Democrats in negotiating the legislative package, recommended Democrats vote 'no' to underscore their determination to review the transportation bill before moving to final passage.

"I think we should have it today and vote 'no,' make our point, and then have it tomorrow perhaps when everybody's read it," Boxer told reporters.

Democrats otherwise voiced cautious support for the legislation.

"I'm inclined to favor it," said Senator Richard Durbin, the chamber's No. 2 Democrat. "It's a step forward."

Aides said the bill's future could be clouded by floor amendments including potential Republican measures to end federal funding for Planned Parenthood and to do away with Obamacare.

""I’m hopeful we will."Republican Senator John Thune, chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, said new funding for construction and maintenance would be financed without an increase in the federal gasoline tax"Democrats, meanwhile, could try to add in auto-safety provisions rejected by the Senate Commerce Committee.

McConnell said he expected an amendment to reopen the U.S. Export-Import Bank, which has been closed to new business since its charter expired on June 30.

(Reporting by David Lawder, Richard Cowan, Patricia Zengerle, Susan Heavey and David Morgan; Editing by Tom Brown and Steve Orlofsky)