As Congress returned Tuesday after its summer recess, there appears to be no consensus among the House of Representatives, which has been pushing for a full six-year bill, and the Senate and Obama administration, which favor an 18-month extension of current spending levels until the economy recovers.

But House Highways and Transit Subcommittee Chairman Peter DeFazio, D-OR, opened the door to a possible compromise Wednesday, telling reporters he thinks Congress should extend the current law, which expires Sept. 30, until year's end and then complete a multiyear bill early in 2010 before the spring/summer construction season gets underway.

DeFazio stressed this was his personal view and not shared by House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman James Oberstar, D-MN, the most ardent supporter of passing a full six-year bill by the end of this month. A spokesman for Oberstar said the chairman's position has not changed and he will continue to fight for a full authorization.

Oberstar's draft bill has been cleared by the Highways and Transit Subcommittee but he is waiting for revenue measures from the House Ways and Means Committee to pay for the $500 billion proposal before proceeding with a mark up in the full T&I Committee. Rep. Richard Neal, D-MA and chairman of the Ways and Means subcommittee handling the matter, said transportation funding remains under discussion by tax writers.

"We are continuing to meet and discuss," Neal said. "I don't know about [agreeing on a solution] this month, but sure, we could get something done this year."

Three Senate committees have passed an 18-month extension bill, which is expected to be combined with a Finance Committee measure appropriating additional interim money for the Highway Trust Fund to keep it solvent during such an extension. The combined bill is anticipated to be brought up for debate on the Senate floor in the coming weeks.