Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood at National Press Club

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Oct 12, 2011, 11:15 ET

To discuss consequences of congressional action and inaction, Oct. 13

WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will appear at a National Press Club speakers luncheon on Oct. 13 to discuss the American Jobs Act and the role transportation plays in our nation's economy. LaHood will also discuss Congress's struggles over the 2012 federal budget and how it has affected transportation programs such as the Federal Aviation Administration, which was partially shut down this summer.

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Congress averted another possible shutdown of the FAA in a last-minute deal to avert another round of furloughs by approving funding until January. Spending for federal highway programs was approved through the end of March.

LaHood had warned that a lapse in funding for programs that fund roads, bridges, and transit projects would cost nearly a million workers their jobs over the next year and almost $1 billion in highway funding after the first 10 days alone.

The Obama administration's view is that transportation investments create jobs and lay the foundation for future economic growth.

The Press Club luncheon will begin at 12:30 p.m. LaHood's remarks will begin at 1 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session. Advance reservations should be made through (202) 662-7501 or [email protected]. The cost of luncheon admission is $18 for National Press Club members, $29 for their guests, and $36 for the general public. Tickets must be purchased at time of reservation.

National Press Club Luncheons are webcast live on press.org. Follow the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #NPCLunch, or on Facebook at (facebook.com/PressClubDC) and Twitter (@PressClubDC). Submit questions for speakers in advance and during the live event by sending them to @QNPCLunch on Twitter. Or email a question in advance, type LAHOOD in the subject line and send to [email protected] before 10 a.m. on the day of event.

The Press Club is on the 13th floor, 529 14th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. Credentialed press may cover this event.

About the National Press Club the National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists with more than 3,400 members worldwide representing every major news organization. More than 250,000 people visit the Club each year to attend more than 2,000 events. The Club was founded in 1908 and is on the web at press.org.

SOURCE National Press Club