D.C. lawmakers debate infrastructure investments
Published on 02/28/2011
resident Barack Obama announced earlier this month that he is seeking approval from Congress to invest $556 billion in the nation's infrastructure. The White House says the money is necessary to not only maintain and expand the nation's corridors for commerce, but also to create employment opportunities.
"It is encouraging to see that the President appreciates the difference between wasteful spending and essential transportation investments needed to boost overall economic growth and protect Americans from later, larger fiscal liabilities," said Stephen E. Sandherr, chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America, in a response to the president's announcement. "Businesses rely on an efficient transportation system to successfully compete in the global economy. Meanwhile, investing in needed capacity and maintenance projects now protects taxpayers from having to pay much more to repair broken roads and bridges in a few years."
While the president's proposal has received bipartisan support, his failure to present possible sources of funding has many lawmakers questioning how the cash-trapped federal government will pay for the investment.
Moreover, the House's deficit-slashing GOP freshman - who have already targeted construction spending in a continuing resolution that would keep the federal government operational through the end of September - may prevent an infrastructure bill from arriving on President Obama's desk.
