Obama signs highway extension, calls for long-term funding

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama says the U.S. government can't keep funding highway and transit projects "by the seat of our pants."

Obama's comments came as he signed a three-month bill to keep transportation money flowing to states. The patch is the 34th short-term transportation measure since 2009.

The Senate passed the measure Thursday, one day before the deadline for a cutoff of funds.

The president says that while it's good news projects will continue to be funded, Congress needs to stop leaving business until the last minute. He says that's not how countries like China or Germany operate.

The Senate also passed a sweeping, long-term transportation bill that sets up discussions with the House this fall on the future of transportation policy and how to pay for programs.

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