House backs Denham, rejects fast-rail funds

WASHINGTON — The Republican-controlled House on Friday reiterated its intention not to spend new federal dollars next year on California's high-speed rail program.

By a 239-185 vote, cast nearly entirely along party lines, the House approved language written by Rep. Jeff Denham, R-Turlock, meant to block the high-speed rail spending. The amendment was added to a fiscal 2013 transportation spending bill.

"We've got highways that are falling apart. We've got bridges that are falling apart," Denham said Friday. "We need to ensure our gas tax dollars get used for their intended purpose, of actually improving our roads."

Denham's amendment sent a signal, in part, as the $51 billion transportation and housing bill did not include any funds for the Obama administration's high-speed-rail initiative. California officials have indicated they do not need an infusion of federal dollars during fiscal 2013, which starts Oct. 1.