WASHINGTON -- The House Appropriations Committee on June 20 approved a $59.1 billion transport spending bill for fiscal 2002 that includes more money for air, rail and highway programs.

The panel made no major changes to the legislation that received subcommittee approval last week.

For the first time in six years there is no language in the full committee bill to block the government from reviewing fuel efficiency standards.

Total highway spending amounts to $32.7 billion, an increase of $1.2 billion over the current fiscal year. Transit program spending totals $6.7 billion, an increase of $493 million.

The bill provides $13.3 billion for the Federal Aviation Administration, $690 million more than what was approved for the current budget. Under the committee bill, Amtrak will receive $521 million.

Also included is $88.2 million to support truck inspections on the U.S. border with Mexico. The money is needed because the United States plans to open its border fully to Mexican trucks next year.

Fuel efficiency standards have been locked at 27.5 miles per gallon for cars and 20.7 miles per gallon for light trucks, including sport utility vehicles, for 26 years. During the past six years, Republicans who controlled Congress opposed improved mileage standards to the point of blocking the Transportation Department from spending money to study the issue.

However, consumer fears over high gasoline prices have eased opposition among lawmakers. An independent scientific panel is now evaluating the standard.