'We Are Hopeful That the House Will Move Swiftly and in Similarly Bipartisan Fashion'

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney

Statement by the Press Secretary on the Senate Passage of the Transportation Bill

Maintaining a world class infrastructure system is critical to creating an economy built to last. Our country needs and deserves a commitment to surface transportation that will create jobs by rebuilding and modernizing our roads and bridges and allows us to compete and grow in the global economy.  

We are pleased that Senators have continued the tradition of working across the aisle to pass a bill that keeps Americans at work maintaining our nation’s vital infrastructure and provides states and localities the certainty they need to plan ahead. We are hopeful that the House will move swiftly and in similarly bipartisan fashion to do the same.

The Obama Administration will also continue to work with Congress to make additional investments to create jobs right now and to provide longer-term funding to support economic growth and competitiveness for generations to come.

The Power of the Pen: Bills Signed into Law

Press Secretary on H.R. 588 and H.R. 658

On Tuesday, February 14, 2012, the President signed into law:

H.R. 588, which redesignates the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in Mississippi as the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge; and

H.R. 658, the “FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012,” which authorizes budget resources for the Federal Aviation Administration through FY 2015 and encourages acceleration of the Next Generation Air Transportation System and air traffic control modernization.

The Power of the Pen: Bills Signed into Law

H.R. 2192, S. 1541 and S. 1639

On Tuesday, December 13, 2011, the President signed into law:

H.R. 2192, the "National Guard and Reservist Debt Relief Extension Act of 2011," which exempts, for an additional four years through December 18, 2015, members of the Armed Forces reserves and the National Guard from a means-test presumption of abuse in determining eligibility for Chapter 7 bankruptcy relief, if, after September 11, 2001, they were on active duty or performing a homeland defense activity for at least 90 days;

S. 1541, which modifies membership requirements for the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.; and

S. 1639, which authorizes the American Legion to provide guidance and leadership to its organizations and local chapters, but prohibits it from controlling or otherwise influencing their specific activities and conduct.

White House Briefs

White House Press Briefings are conducted most weekdays from the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room in the West Wing.