NEW YORK — Discussions are underway on Capitol Hill in an attempt to extend last-minute infrastructure spending authority ahead of a March 31 deadline.

The House of Representatives had planned to vote on a 90-day extension Monday evening, but Republicans postponed it at the last minute, citing the need for more negotiations.

Lawmakers have stressed the need for stable long-term transportation project funding rather than another short-term extension, but a five-year, $260-billion transportation bill has gained little traction since it was introduced in the House.

A two-year, $109-billion bill passed by the Senate earlier this month (AMM, March 15) was rejected by the House last week.