White House Threatens To Veto GOP Transportation Bill

The Obama administration has threatened to veto a transportation bill championed by Congressional Republicans.

The legislation, an alternative to a $50 billion provision in Obama’s jobs plan focusing on infrastructure spending, would offset costs with $40 billion in cuts.

“The bill’s unspecified rescission of $40 billion in appropriated funds would cause serious disruption in the Federal Government’s basic services in support of critical national goals, such as supporting education, protecting public safety, and promoting economic growth,” a statement from the Office of Management and Budget says. “[Obama’s] senior advisers would recommend that he veto the bill.”

On Thursday, the Senate blocked Obama’s transportation bill in a 51-49 vote, 9 fewer than the 60 needed to override a filibuster.