House Republican leaders are scrambling this week to avert a snarl in rail traffic - and a crisis over the federal debt limit - even as Paul Ryan prepares to take over as speaker and try to unite the fractious GOP caucus.

 

The House this week will take up another short-term extension of surface transportation funding that would also delay for three years a deadline for railroads to install Positive Train Control safety systems. Railroad companies say they can't meet the current Dec. 31 deadline.

 

“America's freight rail industry remains committed to fully implementing PTC and is moving as quickly as possible, without sacrificing safety,” said Ed Greenberg, spokesman for the American Association of Railroads.

 

He said the extension provision was a "measured but rigorous” approach since it requires the Transportation Department to monitor the railroad's progress. Authorization for surface transportation funding is due to expire Thursday, but would be extended to Nov. 20 under the bill. Lawmakers are working on a long-term bill.

 

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