WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans are pitching a six-year transportation construction plan as a major jobs bill that can win bipartisan approval before next year's election.
Rep. John Mica, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said Monday the most significant obstacle to passing the bill was eliminated when GOP leaders recently agreed to keep spending on highway programs at current levels even though gas tax revenues are declining. The bill would serve as the House's major alternative to President Barack Obama's jobs plan.
Fuel taxes have historically been used to pay for transportation programs.
Mica said the bill would spend about $285 billion, but would spur far greater investment in roads, bridges, and transit systems through federal loans and loan guarantees.
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