Republicans are punting on the big legislative items on its to-do list this month because they lack agreement to pass anything but short-term extensions of critical federal programs that are set to expire at the end of the month.

Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman John Thune, R-S.D., said it is likely lawmakers will be forced to pass a short-term extension of the Federal Aviation Administration, which runs out of authorization at the end of the month.