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WASHINGTON — Congressional and state transportation leaders were patting one another’s back at a briefing here for their work twisting arms and shepherding passage of a $305 billion “historic” long-term highway bill known as the FAST Act.

U.S. manufacturing output rose in January by the most since July 2015, a sign the industry was starting to stabilize at the beginning of the year.

Manufacturing in the United States shrank in January for a fourth consecutive month as businesses cut staffing plans. Growth resumed in new orders and production, indicating some stabilization in the industry.

Factory production declined in December for a second month as a stronger dollar and softer U.S. and global growth pinch manufacturers.

Manufacturing in the United States contracted in December at the fastest pace in more than six years as factories, hobbled by sluggish global growth, cut staff at the end of 2015.

Manufacturing stagnated in November, held back by less production of durable goods such as automobiles and metals that reflects weak global demand.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Dec. 7 issued a proposed rule to upgrade current rear impact guards on trucks and trailers to address underride protection in car crashes into trailers and semitrailers.

Manufacturing in the U.S. unexpectedly contracted in November at the fastest pace since the last recession as elevated inventories led to cutbacks in orders and production.

Factory output increased in October for the first time in three months as producers turned out more construction materials and motor vehicles.

American manufacturing remained stuck in neutral in October as factories struggled with dwindling overseas demand and well-stocked customers at home.