Senate adjourns without voting on highways bill

Associated Press

BOB LEWIS, AP Political Writer

Updated: Feb 22, 2013 5:34 PM

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The Virginia Senate has adjourned abruptly without a vote on a historic $880 million-a-year transportation reform bill that passed easily in the House.

The House passed it 60-40 earlier Friday.

The Senate called it quits after languishing in recess most of the afternoon as Senate Democrats awaited written assurance from Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell that he will allow for Medicaid expansion.

Democratic Sen. Adam Ebbin said that without the guarantee, the Senate's 20 Democrats would oppose the measure in the 40-seat Senate, dooming its passage.

The transportation bill is the centerpiece of McDonnell's 2013 policy agenda and his last, best shot at a legislative legacy.

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