OMB urges passage of infrastructure bill

WASHINGTON, July 28 (UPI) -- The Obama administration said Wednesday it supports passage of H.R. 5850 to ensure the development and upkeep of the country's infrastructure.

"A modern, high-performance transportation infrastructure is critical to the long-term growth of the American economy," the Office of Management and Budget said in a release Wednesday. "Similarly, providing access to affordable rental and homeownership opportunities is central to the Administration's efforts to support American families,"

H.R. 5850, as submitted by Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey, D-Wis., would make appropriations for the departments of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2011.

"The administration appreciates the committee's support for the funding provided to High Speed Rail, (the Transportation Department's) Livability Initiative and the Federal Aviation Administration's Next Generation Air Transportation System. …

"The administration appreciates the committee's support for the president's request for Tenant-Based Rental Assistance, Project-Based Rental Assistance, and Public Housing programs," the statement said. "This funding is especially important in light of the current economic environment. The administration urges the Congress to provide the requested $350 million for the Transforming Rental Assistance initiative to preserve public and assisted housing, enhance housing choice for residents, and streamline the administration of HUD's rental assistance programs."