Veto Threatened as House Debates $284-Billion Transport Bill
The House has opened debate on a six-year, $284-billion highway and transit bill but the outcome is clouded by a White House veto threat. House members made speeches April 1 about the measure, the "Transportation Equity Act--a Legacy for Users," and a transportation committee aide said final action is expected the following day.
The "TEA-LU" bill has been scaled back sharply from a $375-billion proposal from Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Don Young (R-Alaska). After the White House objected to the increased federal motor fuels taxes Young's earlier proposal would require, House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) said he would consider a bill totaling $275 billion, which is the amount of actual obligations contained in the reduced TEA-LU.