With House-passed short-term patch in hand, Senate slogs toward FAA bill agreement

A Senate agreement on a path forward for FAA reauthorization remains on standby, as Washington stares down a Friday deadline.

Another procedural vote is slated for 1 p.m. as lawmakers continue work on the broader reauthorization. However, the House passed a one-week extension before leaving town Wednesday, offering the Senate a possible escape hatch.

Even that won't be easy, though. Virginia's Democratic Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner said they would not consent to speedy passage of the one-week extension unless they're guaranteed a vote on their amendment to strip a provision adding more flight slots to Reagan National Airport.

"We can’t in good conscience greenlight that plan until we have a commitment that there will be an opportunity to put our amendment to a vote, and to persuade our colleagues to prioritize the safety of millions of passengers over a few senators’ desire for a direct flight home," the Virginia duo said in a statement Thursday.

One more thing: The Senate Appropriations Committee hears from acting Labor Secretary Julie Su at 10 a.m. on her department's budget request. Su has remained atop the agency even as she appears unable to secure the support necessary for Senate confirmation.