House approves jobs bill

Includes transportation money

Steve Hawley, Dec 22, 09.

The US House of Representatives narrowly approved a $154 billion jobs bill last week, including money for transportation and other infrastructure projects, according to the Wall Street Journal. The Senate is expected to take up the measure next year.

Under the House proposal, $27.5 billion would be set aside for highway construction and repair projects, and an undisclosed amount would go toward other transportation projects, such as rehabilitating Amtrak trains. Other infrastructure projects, including school construction and wastewater treatment plant modernization, would also be included.

Supporters said that half the bill will be paid for by financial firms repaying federal bailout funds, while opponents allege it would be an illegal use of those funds.