Obama to push for transportation spending

[August 31, 2011]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama will make a push Wednesday for more transportation spending.

The White House says Obama will urge Congress to pass a federal highway bill that he says will protect about 1 million jobs.

At issue is the renewal of a transportation spending bill that expires Sept. 30. The House is considering a six-year, $230 billion bill paid entirely with current fuel taxes. The Senate proposal would last only two years and cost $109 billion.

The president will be joined in the Rose Garden by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka and David Chavern, the chief operating officer of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

[Associated Press]

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