Obama calls for end of transportation showdown

[March 24, 2012]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama wants Congress to end a showdown that threatens to cut off federal highway and transit aid to states just as the spring construction season starts.

In his weekly radio and Internet address, Obama is encouraging voters to pressure Democrats and Republicans to pass a long-term transportation bill. He says the economy will take a hit otherwise as construction projects sit idle.

Obama reiterates the White House call for Congress to adopt the two-year $109 billion bill the Senate passed overwhelmingly last week. House Republicans are divided over a five-year $260 billion package.

In the Republican address, Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says the time is now to repeal the president's health care bill.

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Online:

Obama address: http://www.whitehouse.gov/

GOP address:
http://www.youtube.com/HouseConference

[Associated Press; By STEVE PEOPLES]

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