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New Road Funding Bill On Its Way To President's Desk

A federal transportation bill is on its way to the president's desk.

The five-year funding plan cleared the Senate on Thursday night.

It's the first time in nearly two decades that Congress has been able to agree on a long-term funding measure.

It provides $305 billion for roads and mass transit projects.

It does so in part by using money from the Federal Reserve. Critics say that's creating a bad precedent.

Over the life of the bill Indiana will receive more than $5.5 billion. Sen. Dan Coats, R-Indiana, says it will give the state and local governments the stability they need to improve infrastructure. ​

The bipartisan bill easily passed through the Senate with an 83-16 vote. It passed just a few hours after the House passed the bill through their chamber with 359 votes.

All nine of Indiana's representatives as well as both Hoosier senators voted in favor of the bill.

The bill was sent to President Obama's desk just before the most recent funding bill was set to expire.

The bill also reauthorized the Export-Import Bank, which is the official export credit agency for the United States, as well as overhauled Amtrak in an attempt to make it more profitable.