LAS VEGAS -- The House has passed a bill aimed at salvaging 2.8 million jobs and forestalling a sharp increase in interest rates on college loans.
The measure, which cleared the House on a 373-52 vote, and Senate approval is expected shortly. The legislation also would shore up the federal flood insurance program.
The bill includes creating Interstate 11, a link between Las Vegas and Phoenix, although it does not set aside any federal money for the project.
"I'm also glad that the House approved legislation that will make Interstate 11 a reality," U.S. Rep. Shelley Berkley of Nevada said in a statement. "Connecting Las Vegas and Phoenix, the last remaining major metropolitan areas not linked by a modern highway, will boost our economy, create good-paying jobs in Nevada and make it easier for visitors to travel to the greatest tourist destination on earth."
Nevada and Arizona lawmakers have been pushing for I-11, saying that the highway would create a transportation corridor that allows for a smoother north-south flow.
The transportation bill would spend more than $100 billion on other highway and transit programs over two years. And it would also prevent a doubling of interest rates on new student loans, which is scheduled to go into effect Sunday.
A deal clearing the way for passage of the bill was reached after Republicans gave up their demands that the bill require approval of the contentious Keystone XL pipeline and Democrats gave way on environment protections.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
