When DOT Secretary LaHood was on Capitol Hill a few weeks ago discussing the Obama Administration’s plan for a transitional transportation bill, he mentioned that their plan for an 18-month extension would “enact critical reforms” while stopping short of a fundamental overhaul of the program — leaving that for the full six-year bill. A lot of transportation advocates were left wondering what sort of reforms the administration would propose. Today we got a first look at their general proposal.

President Obama’s remarks from the press conference this morning have been posted on the White House blog. In his remarks, joined by Vice President Biden and Transportation Secretary LaHood, Obama appealed to our national pride and pointed to the benefits that high-speed rail would bring to all Americans: There’s no reason why we can’t do [...]

President Obama made headlines this morning by presenting a blueprint for creating a high-speed rail network in the United States. By articulating this vision, the administration has put to rest any doubts that it is ready to line up with the American people in connecting our cities and regions with a 21st century network of passenger rail that will make us globally competitive and help us rebuild our economy for the long haul.