Before escaping Washington for their August vacations, U.S. senators finally approved a long-delayed Federal Aviation Administration bill that put thousands of FAA workers back on the job.

 “This was really no time to stop work on so many critical airport improvement projects — right in the middle of the construction season,” said Ray LaHood, secretary of transportation.

 “Now, before we get too carried away, let’s remember that this extension only lasts until September 16; there's still work to do so we can get a long-term FAA bill,” said LaHood.

 “We have the best aviation system in the world, and we intend to keep it that way.”