Obama Administration announces big spending package on transportation

The World

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood’s expected announcement of billions of dollars in federal grants for high speed rail today is beginning on a sour note. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie announced yesterday that he is stopping construction of an $8.4 billion Hudson River rail tunnel connecting New Jersey and New York. Citing billions of dollars of expected cost overruns, Christie says his “decision is final.” This comes after LaHood made a personal appeal to Christie, and negotiations between the Obama and Christie administrations.

With Republicans running against President Obama’s stimulus, an issue that’s resonated with voters, LaHood’s announcement comes at a questionable time. There will be events in Iowa, Michigan, California. There’s also money for Connecticut and Florida. These are all states with close races. How is this going to affect the midterm elections?

Andrea Bernstein, Takeaway political correspondent, joins the show to help suss out the Obama administration’s motives. She’s following this story at Transportation Nation.

Invest in independent global news

The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!