91ÊÓƵ

John Thune is urging lawmakers to focus on long-term funding, a move that would preclude another potential shutdown by dispelling Congress’ recent habit of extending short-term measures.

The last congressional hearing that featured the top executives of Ford, GM and Stellantis (formerly Chrysler) was in late 2008, when financial and automotive crises were hitting the economy.

The record 43-day shutdown caused financial stress for federal workers who went without paychecks, stranded scores of travelers at airports and generated long lines at some food banks.

The Transportation Department and the FAA have said they relied on data, including reports from pilots of controller responsiveness, to make the decision to reduce flights.

The House has not been in legislative session since Sept. 19. That's when it passed a short-term funding patch to keep the government open when the new budget year began in October.

A record-setting 42-day U.S. government shutdown is on a path to end as soon as Nov. 12 after the Senate passed a temporary funding measure backed by a group of eight centrist Democrats.

“We have to do this as quickly as possible," said House Speaker Mike Johnson. He's kept the House out of session since mid-September, when it passed a bill to continue federal funding.

A group of eight Democrats broke with the rest of their party — including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer — to vote with Republicans to advance a bill to reopen the government.

Rep. Sam Graves said he intends to advance a surface transportation measure that recognizes emerging technologies while prioritizing long-standing infrastructure networks.

Members of Congress are urging DOT to investigate so-called CDL mills and enforce English proficiency rules as part of broader efforts to improve driver training and highway safety.