After a really bad flight we are ready for a really bad landing.

Both the House and Senate are closing in this week on final votes on their versions of a replacement for SAFETEA-LU, the too-tough-to-die surface transportation bill. We need reauthorization so badly that any landing may be the best news we could hear.

Oddsmakers give the Senate version the best chance, with House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chairman John Mica and House Speaker John Boehner expected to run into a series of buzz saws as they try to advance their five-year $260 billion bill. The Senate two year $109 billion version at least has broad bipartisan support in the upper chamber.

This is a Congress that has continually failed to deliver what the transportation infrastructure industry needs and what state agencies trying to keep that infrastructure working efficently and safely must have.

Alright ladies and gentlemen, here’s your chance.