Has the White House caved?

Has the White House caved in on its demand that a transportation bill not exceed $283.9 billion over six years? That's the hot rumor. NSSGA reports that Key House and Senate negotiators on the surface transportation reauthorization bill (H.R. 3) are widely reported to have reached an agreement in principle that would fund highway, transit, and highway safety programs at $286.5 billion through fiscal year 2009. If reports of a $286.5 billion deal are accurate and if congressional leaders are sincere in saying they will not send the President a bill he would veto, then the deal might be done. No word right now on whether or not there is a re-opener in the bill's language, but don't look for the bill to be completed without an eighth extension. Your comment?