Top Senate Republican floats short-term extension for must-pass FAA bill

The No. 2 Republican in the Senate raised the possibility that Congress would need to pass a brief extension of the federal aviation bill making its way through the upper chamber.

Leadership is staring down a May 10 deadline to pass a five-year reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration. The bill enjoys overwhelming bipartisan support, clearing its first test vote on Wednesday by an 89-10 margin, but all 100 senators must agree to fast-track the legislation for it to pass before the end of next week.