WASHINGTON (IRN) - A Metro-East Congressman is confident federal lawmakers will finally hammer out a long-term transportation plan.

The U.S. House wanted a five-year, $260 billion plan, but was unable to pass it. The Senate was able to pass a two-year, $109 billion plan. The two versions are headed to a conference committee, where U.S. Rep. John Shimkus (R-Collinsville) says a compromise will be reached. After all, it’s an election year.

“It’s good public policy, infrastructure. It’s also good politics,” he says. “You want to go into an election year not having another cliff where you didn’t pass something that could really increase jobs.”

Shimkus says the final product will likely be close to what the Senate wants in terms of cost and duration, but he says the House will fight to keep what he calls “streamlined regulations,” which he says will help contractors get to work faster without as much government intervention.

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