In a statement recently released by the White House, the passage of H.R.5972 would receive a veto vote from President Obama.
The statement includes,
The Administration is committed to working with the Congress to produce a long-term surface transportation reauthorization bill devoid of controversial policy riders, to put Americans to work building the Nation’s roads, bridges, railways, and transit systems.
TIGER Grants. The Administration is disappointed with the lack of funding for TIGER Grants and urges the House to provide $500 million for the TIGER program, as requested in the FY 2013 Budget. The program relies on a competitive, merit-based approach to help communities build innovative, multi-modal transportation projects – often with substantial State and local co-investment.
Intercity Passenger Rail. While the Administration appreciates the robust funding level for Amtrak, the Administration strongly objects to the bill’s failure to provide additional funding for High Speed Rail grants, which would help continue progress toward developing new and improved rail services for the Nation’s most congested metropolitan regions.If the President were presented with H.R. 5972, his senior advisors would recommend that he veto the bill.
“TCU is pleased to see the administration continue its support for Amtrak and High Speed Rail,” said TCU President Bob Scardelletti. “I have always said that a world class High-Speed rail system is attainable if Amtrak would be given a dedicated long-term funding source.
Click here to see the full release from the White House.