Politics. On Point.

President Obama took to the Key Bridge, two years since his last visit , to make the case that the Highway Trust Fund (HTF), the fund designed to help  states repair and rebuild America's infrastructure, could potentially run out of funds if Congress doesn't act soon. "It’s not crazy, it’s not socialism.   It’s not the imperial presidency. No laws are broken.  We’re just building roads and bridges like we’ve been doing for the last, I don’t know, 50, 100 years.  But so far, House Republicans have refused to act on this idea.  I haven’t heard a good reason why they haven’t acted. "It’s not like they’ve been busy with other stuff", the president said.   Also weighing in on this issue is  DC Rep.  Eleanor Holmes Norton. “If Congress does not act by the end of the month  it will force the Department of Transportation to ration reimbursements to the states, and will be directly responsible for the loss of thousands of good-paying jobs, ...

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood spoke yesterday at the The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) legislative conference where he encouraged Congress to "be bold", "be brave" when it comes to ideas for building America's infrastructure and rail systems. "We've always been big and had bold ideas", said LaHood. He praised President Obama for his vision of high speed rail and called out Congress for stalling the president's plan to improve the nation's existing railroads and building infrastructure here in America that would rival any foreign country's rail system. "You all have been to China and have seen their railroads.  I'm sure when you return home you're scratching your head asking, "Why can't we do that?" The U.S. ranks near the bottom of countries with sustainable or advanced rail systems. During the conference's Q&A session LaHood, who is retiring this year, was asked ...

Via the White House Press Office. 500 rail industry companies to hire over 5,000 veterans in 2012. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, Association of American Railroads (AAR) President and CEO Ed Hamberger and Joining Forces Executive Director Brad Cooper announced that the railroad industry will hire more than 5,000 veterans in 2012. Five hundred companies and organizations including freight, inter-city passenger and commuter railroads, as well as rail supply companies represented by AAR are making today’s significant commitment. “As a result of their service, veterans have the right skills and training for successful careers in transportation,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. “Helping our veterans find work strengthening America’s transportation system is a commitment we are proud to fulfill.” The rail industry joins the First Lady and Dr. Biden’s Joining Forces initiative launched last year to bring Americans together to recognize, honor and take action t...